Thank you Mr. D's on taking part in the Daily Deal program!!
On the 'Live & Play' page on the chamber website, we will be featuring activities and food events that visitors to our area might be interested in. We will feature 'Daily Deal Discounts' sponsored by our chamber members. These discounts are available online or through a weekly e-mail.
To learn more about this program, please contact the chamber office at 618-438-2121.
Expanding Chamber Nation
We are considering an upgrade from our current Chamber Nation plan to an expanded 'Chamber Lobby' program. We would like to get your feedback on these features and if you would find them useful. YouTube Video
ReadyNation Illinois
A recent study of fourth-grade reading abilities focused on 58 school systems worldwide and found a dozen are outpacing the United States. "(O)ther education systems seem to be doing a better job of moving students from lower levels of achievement to higher levels of achievement," added Peggy Carr, acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics - NCES. ReadyNation's business-leader network supports early learning efforts as a proven strategy for improving on this trend and preparing kids for greater success in school and careers.
New Opportunities!
Are you looking for new employment or volunteer opportunities? Check out the Chamber Opportunity Board! Start a new chapter in your community!
Get a group together and help put holiday food baskets together with the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance. This year the basket stuffing will be in the evening of December 8th starting at 6pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
For questions call 618-927-6270
Joe's Pizza Celebrates 1st Anniversary
Congratulations to Joe's Pizza & Pasta on their 1 year anniversary in Benton!!
20 Under 40 Award Winners
The Southern Business Journal asked readers to nominate outstanding leaders all younger than the age of 40 who are making a difference. We are happy to announce that Troy and Katie of Seasoning Bistro is one of the Journals '20 Under 40' Award Winners. Read the full story feature here!
Holiday Giving!
Many organizations are helping to give a brighter Christmas to local children. Here is how your can get involved!
Drop off a Toy to First Financial Bank
Drop off a Toy to the Benton Fire Department for their Toys for Tots program
Donate to help the Benton Police Department's 'Shop with a Cop' program bigger and better!
Give Food or funds to the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance for their holiday relief efforts.
Shop Southern Illinois
Fifteen area Chambers of Commerce along with a Main Street program and several regional businesses have teamed up this holiday season in an effort to encourage Southern Illinoisans to do a majority of their holiday shopping in the region, rather than traveling out of the area or shopping online.
The effort, called “Shop Southern Illinois,” features a strong social media presence where residents can learn some of the reasons it is important for Southern Illinoisans to shop locally and where they may pledge to do most of their own holiday shopping in the region by using the hashtag #IBuySI. By making a post or tweet with the #IBuySI hashtag, participants are entered in weekly drawings to win prizes starting October 20. The Franklin County Chambers' prize will be awarded December 15.
The 'Taste of Franklin County' Chambers prize currently includes:
Casey's Pizza Gift Certificates
The Coffeehouse Gift Certificate
All Stars N Stitches Gift Card and Water Bottle
People's Bank Thermal Travel Mug & Bag
Want to be part of the fun? Help fill the sleigh!
Thank you to the West Frankfort Chamber for providing the adorable sleigh!
Will your business have special hours during the holiday season? Perhaps you know of a special event or program in our community? Please reach out and let us know! We are looking to fill the community calendar with great information and lots of fun. If you are having trouble with the chamber calendar (or need a refresher course on how to use it), please let me know and we can get it straightened out.
Events in the Community
Check out other community activities and submit events here!
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'...Of The Year' Nominations
Thank you Mr. D's on taking part in the Daily Deal program!! 
Many organizations are helping to give a brighter Christmas to local children. Here is how your can get involved!
Fifteen area Chambers of Commerce along with a Main Street program and several regional businesses have teamed up this holiday season in an effort to encourage Southern Illinoisans to do a majority of their holiday shopping in the region, rather than traveling out of the area or shopping online.
The 'Taste of Franklin County' Chambers prize currently includes:
3rd Annual Christmas Celebration
12/15/2017
