The Benton/West City Area Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to our Monthly Membership Luncheon on Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 at LaGalerie located on the Benton Square. Program starts at 11:30 am - 1:00pm. (food service begins as 11:45 am). 







Location
Twin Oaks
13448 Melody Lane
Benton, IL

LUNCH PROVIDED BY POP'S BBQ

Choice of 
Grilled Chicken or Pork BBQ Sandwich
Cole Slaw
Baked Beans
Desert

DRINKS

Tea, Water

EVENT AGENDA:
Welcome from Chamber Leadership
A few words from our Sponsor
Luncheon Program
Quick update from the Chamber Executive Director


Chamber Change 50/50 Drawing: Proceeds will go to the Building Fund so the Chamber of Commerce can work toward having a home of our own. 
 

MEET THE SPEAKER: MAYOR LEE MESSERSMITH

Lee is a native of Benton who graduated Benton Consolidated High School in 1990, SIU-C in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications and a Master’s Degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX 1998.

He led in local churches in Jackson, Mississippi and Naperville, Illinois in various capacities, as well as starting and managing Messersmith Construction, Inc.

Lee’s leadership highlights include being Operational Director for Community Christian Church in Naperville. During this time he became a published writer for Outreach Magazine.

In 2010, Lee and his family returned to Benton. During the last nine years he managed a remodeling business while serving in various community rolls such as the Benton Grade School PTO. In 2014, Lee started and became president of the Rend Lake Bike Club. Then in 2015, he opened Cycle1 Cycling Studio. In 2018, Cycle1 was voted as Benton/West City Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

In August 2018, Lee began leading as facilitator for the inaugural year of the Franklin County EDGE Program. The program brings together students from all Franklin County school districts for a year-long programmatic experience of entrepreneurial development that earns dual credit with Rend Lake College.

Lee served as Streets and Improvements Commissioner for the City of Benton from May of 2019 through April of 2023.  Lee’s current term as Mayor will run from May of 2023 through April of 2027.  
As Mayor of Benton Lee has been involved in numerous community events that help bring revenue to the area.  He is at as many school functions as he can fit into his schedule and often travels to support the various sporting events.  He works with the Chamber of Commerce as well as Tourism, Rotary, EDC and the local volunteer groups to collaborate on different ways to support and grow our community.  He truly has a heart for service and for our community. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
 Housekeeping Note:
If your plans change and you can't attend, please call the office by Friday May 31st.  We encourage you to send a co-worker to represent your organization and network, otherwise you will be billed for your lunch. (Our catering numbers are calculated , finalized and paid according to event registration.)