Chamber membership is available all year long! For the month of August, new members can join for $83 for the rest of 2018! Get listed on our online directory, receive business news, share your programs with like-minded business leaders, and support your local business community!
When you refer a business and they join the chamber by August 31st, you will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to Seasonings!!
The Franklin Co. Sheriff Dept have set up a drop off location at their office for unused/expired prescription drugs. Drugs can also be disposed of at the Benton Police Department. Keep drugs out of the hands of users and our environment!
Opioid Epidemic & Your Business
The United States is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic. Opioids (including prescription and illicit opioids) killed more than 33,000 Americans in 2015—which is nearly quadruple the number from 2000.
Learn how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to protect individuals and families—including your employees and your business—from this dangerous problem. FOUR CRITICAL CHALLENGES FACING EMPLOYERS
New Opportunities!
Are you looking for new employment or volunteer opportunities? Check out the Chamber Opportunity Board! Start a new chapter in your community!
Your chamber is looking for a new Executive Director! Karen will continue to be part of the Southern Illinois chamber community as the Executive Director of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. If you know of someone who would be great to lead our organization, please share the job description below.
We are looking for venues/topics for our Networking Events for the rest of 2018.
Quarterly Luncheon: Aug & Nov
Business After Hours: Sept & Dec
Please contact the chamber with thoughts & suggestions!
Regional Chamber Luncheon on Sept 18th
On Wednesday, the regional chamber directors had a great meeting to discuss the fall Regional Chamber Luncheon. You are invited to take part as the regional chambers launch this year's 'Shop Southern Illinois' program and the Southern Business Journal recognizes their 2018 'Leaders Among Us' winners on September 18th in Carterville. A great lunch is in store, a 50/50 drawing, and of course great networking with professionals around our region!
Please RSVP though the the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. Their number is (618) 549-2146 or you can register online here: http://www.carbondalechamber.com/events/details/monthly-membership-luncheon-09-18-2018-8983
Looking forward to seeing you there!!
Childcare Assistance Resources
Too many low- to moderate-income, working parents are going without the child care help for which they qualify. Many might not know of its availability. Others might be aware of it, but wary after two years of turmoil related to the state’s budget impasse and sharp cuts in eligibility – cuts that ReadyNation and a bipartisan group of legislators and allies helped to reverse last August. So, to help increase working parents’ awareness of the child care program, we’ve developed a one-page flyer you can find at this link. It briefly describes the services available, and notes where parents can call or check online to see if they are eligible to participate.
If you are an employer or manager, please consider:
Posting this flyer in break rooms
Including it with “onboarding” materials for new hires
Check out other community activities and submit events here!
Share Your News!
Do you have a special announcement or product you would like to showcase? Let us know so we can share it with everyone! Email the chamber office information and a picture!
Too many low- to moderate-income, working parents are going without the child care help for which they qualify. Many might not know of its availability. Others might be aware of it, but wary after two years of turmoil related to the state’s budget impasse and sharp cuts in eligibility – cuts that ReadyNation and a bipartisan group of legislators and allies helped to reverse last August. So, to help increase working parents’ awareness of the child care program, 
Bucket of Preparedness
Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast