Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 042015

Welcome new members!

River-2-River Running Club
Michael Ahrens
Website
Join Date: 03/06/2015

AT&T Illinois
James Maurer
Website
Join Date: 03/18/2015

Gander Mountain
Larry Scheiderich
Website
Join Date: 04/02/2015

SIKA
Mike Ben Avi
Join Date: 04/07/2015

Cool Spoons
Jill Johnson
Join Date: 04/10/2015

Blumenstock Construction
David Blumenstock
Join Date: 04/14/2015
 

Events

Marion Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee meeting
04/21/2015
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM C
Marion Chamber of Commerce
2305 W. Main St
Marion, IL 62959
The Membership Committee meet on the third Tuesday of each month at noon. The location of the meeting varies. Please call the Marion Chamber of Commerce to join the Membership Committee, inquire about the location of the next meeting or if you have any questions.

SIU Credit Union to host Community Blood Drive
04/21/2015
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM C
SIU Credit Union
395 Giant City Road
Carbondale, Il 62902
SIU Credit Union, with the assistance of the American Red Cross, will host a community blood drive on Tuesday, April 21.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Cool Spoons
04/22/2015
04:00 PM - 06:00 PM C
Cool Spoons
1120 North Carbon
Marion, Il 62959
You are cordially invited to the Ribbon Cutting of COOL SPOONS on Wednesday April 22, 2015.
4pm – 6 pm

Business Before Hours Program - Russell Williams presents John Maxwell's Leadership Principles
04/23/2015
07:45 AM - 09:00 AM C
Heartland Regional Medical Center
3905 West Ernestine Drive
Marion, Il 62959
The Marion Chamber of Commerce will hold its Business Before Hours event on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Heartland Regional Medical Center, Classroom 1. 

The event will begin at 7:45 a.m. with a free breakfast, provided by Heartland Regional Medical Center, and networking, followed by a presentation by Russell Williams with Brehm Foundation on John Maxwell's Leadership Principles. 

Business After Hours Program: VW of Marion
04/23/2015
04:00 PM - 07:00 PM C
Volkswagen of Marion
4403 West DeYoung Street
Marion, Il 62959
The April Marion Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours program will be held on Thursday, April 23 from 4-7 p.m.at Volkswagen of Marion.

Learning from the Lessons of TIME
04/23/2015
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM C
SIU Credit Union Data Center
400 North Giant City Road
Carbondale, Il 62901
This is a fun and educational workshop employing old Time Magazine covers to provide historical perspective on today’s financial markets, economy, and ethics

Gateway to Success - a mock job fair
04/30/2015
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM C
Federal Prison
230 West Main 4500 Prison Road
Marion, Il 62959
The Federal Prison in Marion would like to take this opportunity to invite your business or organization to participate in the “Gateway to Success," a mock job fair on Thursday, April 30, 2015.  The day will start in the visiting room at the Federal Prison Camp. 

Nissan of Marion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
05/05/2015
04:00 PM - 06:00 PM C
Nissan of Marion
3209 Banterra Drive
Marion, IL 62959
Nissan of Marion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Grand Opening Celebration

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Stellar SEO
05/07/2015
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM C
Stellar SEO
801 West DeYoung
Marion, Il 62959
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at Stellar SEO.

Community Day Committee meeting
05/07/2015
08:15 AM - 09:15 AM C
Marion Chamber Of Commerce
230 West Main
Marion, Il 62959
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Community Day Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, May 7 at 8:15 a.m. at the Chamber office. All are welcome to attend.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Gander Mountain
05/07/2015
09:45 AM - 10:45 AM C
Gander Mountain
2480 Blue Heron Drive
Marion, Il 62959
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 9:45 a.m. on May 7 at Gander Mountain.

Marion Chamber May Membership Luncheon
05/12/2015
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM C
Kokopelli
1527 Champions Drive
Marion, Il 62959
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Monthly Membership Luncheon, sponsored by Joyner Therapy Services, will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at noon at Kokopelli. 

Management Training: Best Practices for Supervisors & Managers
05/12/2015
08:45 AM - 04:30 PM C
Holiday Inn
205 Remington Blvd
Bolingbrook, Il 60440
The best defense from lawsuits is a well-trained manager! Stay in compliance, reduce risk,
and save money with this seminar. 

Google Parntners Connect
05/13/2015
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM C
Stellar SEO
801 W DeYoung St. Suite C.
Marion, IL 62959
It's a great opportunity to learn about how to grow your business from Google experts. If you are currently using Google Adwords or have considered using it to promote your business, you do not want to miss this information.

HR Illinois Professionals Symposium 2015 - South
05/14/2015
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM C
Gateway Center
Educational sessions and growth opportunities for HR Professionals,
Business Owners, Executives, Managers and Supervisors

2nd annual Treasure Trail
05/15/2015- 05/16/2015 C
Treasure Trail
The 2nd annual Treasure Trail will be held in beautiful Southern Illinois Friday, May 15 - Saturday, May 16

Community Leaders' Breakfast
05/20/2015
07:00 AM - 09:00 AM C
John A. Logan
230 West Main
Carterville, Il 62959
Join us for the Community Leaders' Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20 from 7-9 a.m. at John A. Logan in Carterville.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce has reserved a table at the event. If you would like to sit at the Marion Chamber of Commerce table, seats are $15, payable to the Marion Chamber. 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Genesis Salon
05/29/2015
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM C
Genesis Salon
3001 Williamson County Pkwy, Suite A
Marion, Il 62959
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held on May 29 at 2 p.m. at Genesis Salon.

Let us put the Spotlight on your Business!

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is happy promote members on the homepage of the Chamber's Web site in the Member Spotlight section for $250.

Note that one Member Spotlight is featured a month. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A company may only request a Member Spotlight once a year.

The following months are available for purchase: July, August, October, and November. 

To grab your spot in the spotlight, email director@marionillinois.com or call 618.997-6311 and let us know what month you'd like.

Would you like to sponsor a Monthly Membership Luncheon?

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is happy to to offer to members the sponsorship opportunity at the Monthly Membership Luncheons, held on the second Tuesday of each month (except for January) for $100.

Each Monthly Luncheon will have only one sponsor, and that sponsor is entitled to:
  • a logo in the luncheon invitation
  • opportunity to speak for up to three minutes at the luncheon, and a table set up by the registration table at the luncheon. The opportunity is limited to one Monthly Luncheon Sponsorship per business per year. 
  • May - Joyner Therapy Services
  • June - December - AVAILABLE

To become a Monthly Membership Luncheon sponsor, email director@marionillinois.com with what month you'd like to sponsor or call the Chamber at (618) 997-6311.

Helpful tips

  • Submit your events/news: All Marion Chamber of Commerce members can submit their events, press releases, etc. through our Member Management System. To log in, click here
  • Member-to-Member Discounts: Don't forget to check out your member-to-member discounts. Click here to start saving today. To submit your member-to-member discount, go to the Coupon Editor in your Member Management System. To log in to the Member Management system, visit our Web site and click "Member Login" on the top of the homepage.
  • Member survey: We would like your feedback! Click here to take the Marion Chamber of Commerce survey. 
  • Classifieds: Check out our members' classified ads here
  • Sign up for Committees: All Marion Chamber of Commerce members can sign up for Chamber Committees through our Member Management System. To log in, click here. Then, go to "Forms."
  • Download the Mobile Chamber App: Useful information at your fingertips. Click here for information on how to download the app today!

April Business After Hours event at VW of Marion




The April Marion Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours program will be held on Thursday, April 23 from 4-7 p.m.at Volkswagen of Marion.

The event will be VW of Marion's Grand Opening Event!

Red Carpet VIP Event

Open House 4:00pm

Champagne Toast & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 5:30pm

Jetta Giveaway Drawing 6:30pm

Your Guests Are Welcome!

Signature cocktails, beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres & music will be provided throughout the evening

RSVP today!


 

Have you thought about hosting a Business After Hours event? Schedule yours today!

Business After Hours events are held on the fourth Thursday of the month, unless the Chamber member has a special need for a different date or calendar conflicts at the Chamber arise.

The hours for a Business After Hours event are to be determined by the Chamber member. However, 4:30-6:30 p.m. is recommended.

The Business After Hours Program fee is $100. 

Email director@marionillinois.com, call 997-6311 or fill out this form to schedule your BAH event today! May-December events are open. April's Business After Hours event is hosted by Volkswagen of Marion. 

Chamber responsibilities include:
* Promoting the event through all of our communications (newsletter, Web site, social media, Monthly Membership Luncheon announcements, etc.)
* Provide member mailing labels for invitations

Chamber member suggestions:
* Send special invitations to Chamber Members and their customers (must include Chamber logo on printed materials)
* Provide food and beverages at the event 
* Provide door prizes at the event
* Make a presentation about your business/organization

Business Before Hours Program - Russell Williams presents John Maxwell's Leadership Principles



The Marion Chamber of Commerce will hold its Business Before Hours event on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Heartland Regional Medical Center, Classroom 1. 

The event will begin at 7:45 a.m. with a free breakfast, provided by Heartland Regional Medical Center, and networking, followed by a presentation by Russell Williams with Brehm Foundation on John Maxwell's Leadership Principles. 
 
Russell Williams is the director of the Brehm Foundation in Carbondale, a public charity which supports students with learning disabilities.  Russ is also a certified speaker, teacher, and coach with the John Maxwell Team.  The John Maxwell Team offers workshops, seminars, and coaching to aid in personal and professional growth to individuals, organizations and companies worldwide.  For over twenty-five years, Russ has been teaching people to answer their call to lead, to add value and make a difference in the lives of others.  He resides in Marion with his wife and two boys.

There is NO COST to attend the event. 

Marion Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours events are held on the fourth Thursday, every quarter during the year, at 7:45 a.m. at Heartland Regional Medical Center, Classroom 1. Presenters for each Business Before Hours are chosen by the Marion Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee. 

For more information about the Marion Chamber of Commerce, its Membership Committee and how to join, or the Business Before Hours event, call (618) 997-6311 or e-mail director@marionillinois.com


[Russell Williams, left, with John Maxwell]

Marion Community Day at Rent One Park



Marion Community Day at Rent One Park is Friday, June 26.  The Southern Illinois Miners will be facing off against the Washington Wild Things.  Show your community spirit and support for Marion Grad Spree this year by attending the game.

As a Chamber member, you have access to deals with the Southern Illinois Miners for Marion Community Day!
  • Business vendor at Tailgate party - The Tailgate Party for the Marion Community Day will begin at 4:30 p.m. on the gravel lot of the Rent One Ballpark. To display your business' goods/services at the Tailgate Party, the fee is $50, which includes one parking pass.
    • $ 50.00
  • Friends/Family Vendor at Tailgate Party - The Tailgate Party for the Marion Community Day will begin at 4:30 p.m. on the gravel lot of the Rent One Ballpark. There is no fee for a nonbusiness to setup at the Marion Community Day Tailgate Party. We only ask for a donation to Grad Spree. No food or drinks can be sold by vendors at the Tailgate Party. A prize, sponsored by Banterra Bank, will be given to the best Friends/Family Vendor at the Tailgate Party.
    • $ Donation to Grad Spree
  • I just want to watch the game - Choose this option if you aren't interested in the advertising space, business vendor space at the Tailgate Party or a table on the concourse to display your business' goods/services. By choosing this package, you are purchasing ONLY one box ticket. You can purchase additional tickets below.
    • $ 8.00
  • Participate in the Two-Person Bag Tournament - The bag tournament would begin at 5 p.m. The winning team will receive 50% of the registration fees and a new bag board set. The cost to register a team for the tournament is $30/team.
    • $30/team
There can only be 12 tables on the concourse, and so far we have had the following members secure tables: The Southern Illinois Miners donates 50% of the Community Day ticket sales to Marion High School Grad Spree.
 
This year, there will also be a Tailgate Party at Marion Community Day. Vendor spaces will go quickly, so sign up today! Call the Chamber at 618.997.6311 or email director@marionillinois.com or click 
here to register TODAY. 

Member News

"Let's Put Our Cities on the Map" Support Announcement
We have prepared an easy to follow document on how members are able to add their business to the Google Places program
Submitted: 04/08/15
Article By: ECTown USA, LLC

A Cure for HR Challenges
We work with our clients to offer advanced payroll outsourcing services that can be customized to meet specific needs of your company, which will make your HR department and administrative staff more efficient. 
Submitted: 04/07/15
Article By: Extra Help, Inc.

Harness TechED Receives AT&T - ConnectSI Grant
Harness TechED, has been selected to win one of 12 $2,000.00 cash awards as part of the Connect SI/AT&T “Smart Broadband for Small Business” competition. 
Submitted: 04/03/15
Article By: Harness TechED

Press Release from the Little Egypt Arts Association
"Stitch and Sew" is the latest LEAA exhibit on all downstairs walls of the Arts Centre on the downtown square in Marion now through the end of May
Submitted: 04/02/15
Article By: Little Egypt Arts Association

Youth Get Wild About Saving in April
Celebrate National Credit Union Youth Month™ with SIU Credit Union
Submitted: 04/01/15
Article By: SIU Credit Union

For more press releases, click here
 

Donations needed for 2015 Grad Spree

   
         

Dear Members:
 
It’s that time of the year again to make plans for the Marion 2015 Friends For Life Graduation Spree, Thursday, May 14, 2015, a drug and alcohol free environment for the graduating seniors and their guests. The cost to provide this event last year was more than $16,000 with the average cost being $60 per student.  This year we expect more than 300 seniors, their guests and chaperones to attend the event.
 
Marion Grad Spree would not be possible without the help of our Chamber and community members. We are writing to you today to request donations of funds to help cover the cost of the event and door prize items to giveaway to seniors throughout the night.  Any item you can donate will help make this a memorable evening for the seniors. 
 
For businesses and individuals, we have the following sponsorship levels available: Silver-$250, Gold-$500, and Platinum-$1000 or more.  Of course, any amount is appreciated and we will honor our Silver, Gold & Platinum Sponsors by including their logo in Grad Spree promotional materials, on our website, newsletter and email blasts. A donation statement for your taxes is available upon request.
 
The Unit #2 Public Schools Foundation and the Marion Chamber of Commerce’s Grad Spree Committee is proud to offer this event to our graduating seniors. We have kept our seniors safe for the past 30 years.
 
Thank you in advance for your generosity and continued support,
Matt Carnaghi
Harness TechED and
Grad Spree Committee Chairman
 
 
Please make your check payable to “Marion Chamber – Graduation Spree” and mail it today to:
 
Marion Chamber of Commerce                
Attn: Graduation Spree

P.O. Box 307
Marion, IL  62959

Did you know?

There are many benefits to being a Marion Chamber of Commerce member! Did you know the benefits include:

  • If any Marion Chamber of Commerce member would like to have fliers for an upcoming event, announcements, etc. placed at each attendee's seat at the luncheon, please contact the Chamber at 618.997.6311 to arrange for delivery of the fliers prior to the luncheon. Distributing fliers / business cards/ etc. at the Monthly Membership Lunches is free and a part of your Marion Chamber of Commerce Membership!
  • As a member, you have access to many discounts provided by other Chamber members. Discounts include radio and newspaper coupons, insurance discounts (commercial and personal), mobile telephone discounts, banking incentives and more!  These discounts often cover the cost of membership! Member-to-Member Discounts are located here
  • Rack space is available for you to display your business brochures and business cards for visitors to our office.
  • To assist members with their own direct mailings, our mailing list is available on labels to our members for $35 per printed set or free for electronic versions. We do not provide our e-mail list for distribution.
  • The Chamber provides you a bulk mailing opportunity by using its bulk-mailing permit. 

Want to know more about the benefits of being a Marion Chamber member? Click here!

Save on gas and electricity



The Marion Chamber of Commerce and Affordable Gas and Electric have teamed up to offer chamber members this exclusive opportunity to save BIG on their electricity and natural gas bills.

AGE will negotiate a custom, group-discounted price from our partnered suppliers, execute a contract on your behalf, and send you a Transaction Confirmation with a 3 day recession period. If the Transaction Confirmation is not declined, AGE will officially enroll your accounts in the transaction presented for the length of the term designated on the Transaction Confirmation.

Eligibility Requirements
  • You must be a member of the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
  • You must be in an eligible Utility Zone. Accounts serviced by co-ops are not eligible.
  • If you are under contract with another Retail Supplier, it must be set to expire within 6 months of submitting this form.
For more information, click here
MCOC 2014 - Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 042015