Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 062415

Calendar of Events

Knock Hunger out of the Park
06/24/2015
HELP END HUNGER IN SOUTHERN ILLINOISJoin Us Every Wednesday Night Home
Game at Rent One Park, Home of the Southern Illinois Miners, to Collect Non-Perishable Food Items to Stock the Shelves of Local Food Pantries

Advanced Photoshop classes
06/25/2015
An advanced Photoshop class will be offered at LEAA starting May 21st through June 25th. 

Community Day Committee meeting
06/25/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Community Day Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, June 25 at 8:15 a.m. at the Chamber office.

Marion Community Day at Rent One Park
06/26/2015
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.

Marion Community Day Bag Board Tournament
06/26/2015
The Marion Community Day Tailgate will include a two-person bag board tournament, which will begin at 5 p.m. in the tailgate area. The cost to register a team for the tournament is $30/team.

Creative Writing Workshop for Children
06/30/2015
A Creative Writing Workshop for Children will be held in June.

Community Day Committee wrap-up meeting
07/02/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Community Day Committee will hold a wrap-up meeting at 8:15 a.m. at the Chamber office on Thursday, July 2. 

Rep. Bost to speak about Trade Promotion Authority
07/02/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee will host Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) on Thursday, July 2 from 11:30 - 1 p.m. at 17th Street Bar & Grill in Marion. RSVPs are required as space is limited and will fill quickly.
The event will focus on the Trade Promotion Authority and the upcoming Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. 

Ribbon Cutting and Business After Hours Program: Farm Credit Illinois
07/09/2015
The July Marion Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, July 9 from 4-6 p.m. at Farm Credit Illinois, 2601 Henry Drive in Marion, with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony taking place at 4:30 p.m.

Despicable Me Outdoor Movie Showing at The Gazebo
07/10/2015
Despicable Me Outdoor Movie Showing at The Gazebo
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. 
$5 donation per car suggested. Will benefit the Marion Chamber Foundation which stimulates voluntary support of the Chamber and its mission, including awarding scholarships to Marion graduates and events such as Grad Spree, a drug-free and alcohol-free all-night event for Marion high school graduates immediately following graduation.

Children’s summer theatre workshop
07/10/2015- 07/24/2015
Children’s summer theatre workshop
July 20 - 24, 2015
For Kids 8 - 16
Explore the world of lights, sound and stage!
8:30 am sign in
Class TIME 9 am to 3 PM
All activities take place at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center
Cost: $50 first child, $40 additional child

Illinois Chamber of Commerce 2015 Annual Meeting and Luncheon
07/14/2015
Ticket price - $149 per person
To register or for more information call Pam Holleman
HR Specialist/ Event & Publication Sales
at 855-239-6150 or pholleman@ilchamber.org.

July Monthly Membership Luncheon
07/14/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Monthly Membership Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, July 14 at noon at Kokopelli. 
Rob Wielt, Senior Energy Consultant with Affordable Gas and Electric, will be the presenter.
J Fortune Photography's Feel Beautiful, Know Your Beauty Campaign is the sponsor of the July Monthly Membership Luncheon.

Summer Children's Theatre Workshop
07/20/2015- 07/24/2015
Designed for kids age 8-16, our workshop is July 20  - 24 and on the Friday evening, they will be performing a show. 

CHILDREN'S THEATRE WORKSHOP
07/20/2015
Paradise Alley Players is hosting the Children’s Theatre Workshop the week of July 20, 2014 at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center.

Knock Hunger out of the Park
07/22/2015
HELP END HUNGER IN SOUTHERN ILLINOISJoin Us Every Wednesday Night Home
Game at Rent One Park, Home of 
the Southern Illinois Miners, to 
Collect Non-Perishable Food Items to 
Stock the Shelves of Local Food Pantries

New Members

RAW Fitness
Gabe Parker
Website
Join Date: 05/06/2015

13 Pro Young Professionals Group
Erin Kopec
Join Date: 05/19/2015

Midland States Bank
Dan Rice
Website
Join Date: 05/27/2015

Brown Electric, Inc.
Shane Sullivan
Join Date: 05/29/2015

Massage On Call
Anitta Nuzum
Website
Join Date: 06/01/2015

Nuzum Education Center for Well-Being
Anitta Nuzum
Join Date: 06/01/2015

Farm Credit Illinois
Kevin Wilson
Website
Join Date: 06/01/2015

Marion Nursing & Rehab Center
Karen Orlandini
Join Date: 06/03/2015

First Bank
Starla Waters
Website
Join Date: 06/03/2015

American Legion Post 147
Glen Taylor
Join Date: 06/05/2015

Old National Bank
Ryan Merrow
Website
Join Date: 06/10/2015

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Brock Tucker
Website
Join Date: 06/10/2015

City of Marion
Jared Garrison
Website
Join Date: 06/10/2015

DataLock
David Remer
Website
Join Date: 06/10/2015

CDS Office Technologies
Alison Abbenhaus
Website
Join Date: 06/10/2015

University of Illinois Extension
Lynn Heins
Website
Join Date: 06/17/2015

Southern Illinoisan
Kim Fowler
Website
Join Date: 06/17/2015

Business Networking International
Natasha Stearns
Website
Join Date: 06/22/2015

Shawnee Health Care - Marion
Melissa Reece
Join Date: 06/23/2015
 

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. 
  • July - J Fortune Photography
  • August - September - AVAILABLE
  • October - Priority Staffing Group Ltd. 
  • November - 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.

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.

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!

Marion Community Day at Rent One Park

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

A new tailgate gathering will be offered prior to the game on the gravel parking lot at Rent One Park. The tailgate will begin at 4:30 p.m. and end prior to the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. Featuring free food, free drinks, bounce houses, face painting and more, the tailgate has something for everyone in the family. A donation to Grad Spree will be asked of those entering the tailgate area.

"It is our goal this year to make Marion Community Day, 'the block party' that no one wants to miss," said Amber Ciochetto, the Chair of the Marion Chamber of Commerce Community Day Committee. "We are inviting everyone from the Community to come tailgate with us, enjoy some give-aways from local vendors, and participate in a bags tournament. All proceeds from the tailgate and tickets to the game, help support Marion Grad Spree."

Area businesses are encouraged to be a vendor at this year’s tailgate. The cost is $50 and includes one parking pass. The following have signed up to be vendors during the tailgate:

A prize will be awarded for the best Business Tailgate Vendor. So far, the winner will receive items donated from John A. Logan College, Extra Help, Silkworm, South Porte Bank, MidCountry Bank, First Southern Bank and Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois and and 4 field box tickets for the 7/26 Cardinals game (value of $80-$100 each) and a $100 gift certificate to be used at Ballpark Village.

Nonbusinesses can also signup to be a tailgater at the tailgate. There is no fee for a nonbusiness to setup at the Marion Community Day Tailgate Party. The Chamber only asks for a donation to Grad Spree. A prize, sponsored by Banterra Bank, will be given to the best Friends/Family Tailgater at the Tailgate Party. The prize includes a barbecue/grill gift basket from Banterra Bank that includes two tickets to the Cardinals/Braves game on Sunday, July 26 at 1:15 p.m. (free beach towel day at Busch Stadium).


read more...

Legislative Affairs Committee to host Lunch with Rep. Bost



The Marion Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee will host Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) on Thursday, July 2 from 11:30 - 1 p.m. at 17th Street Bar & Grill in Marion. RSVPs are required as space is limited and will fill quickly.

The event will focus on the Trade Promotion Authority and the upcoming Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. 

Click here to register for the Legislative Affairs Committee Lunch with Rep. Bost. 


The Marion Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee meeting, originally scheduled for Thursday, June 18, has been canceled. 

Despicable Me Outdoor Movie Showing at The Gazebo to benefit Marion Chamber Foundation



Despicable Me Outdoor Movie Showing at The Gazebo

Date: Friday, July 10, 2015

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.  

$5 donation per car suggested. Will benefit the Marion Chamber Foundation which stimulates voluntary support of the Chamber and its mission, including awarding scholarships to Marion graduates and events such as Grad Spree, a drug-free and alcohol-free all-night event for Marion high school graduates immediately following graduation.

We encourage you to bring your own lawn chairs.  Enjoy our inflatables, concessions, life size chess board and more!  Movie will begin at dusk. No outside food or beverages.

Member News

Brehm's Annual Campaign Ends Tuesday, June 30
Thank you for your support to the 2014-2015 Annual Campaign. Together, we advance the young lives of students with learning disabilities.
Submitted: 06/23/15
Article By: Brehm School Foundation

Tips, Tricks, Testimonials & Sizzling Summer Savings!
The Adaptive Equipment Corner YouTube channel is a great new resource for families, patients and caregivers. There are new informative videos posted frequently on the proper assembly, installation and use of various home medical equipment. 
Submitted: 06/23/15
Article By: Joyner Therapy Services

Keep up your professional image at dinner
Thank you to everyone who attended our Bean Bags Tournament and supported the Night’s Shield. Our next event is our Etiquette Dinner at 5:30 on June 24 to be held at Global Gourmet. 
Submitted: 06/23/15
Article By: 13 Pro Young Professionals Group

Press Release from the Little Egypt Arts Association
Sandy Clark is currently displaying her vibrant acrylic paintings in the north window at the Little Egypt Arts Centre on the downtown square in Marion. Her bright, colorful paintings depict a variety of subjects. The works will be on display until the end of June.
Submitted: 06/17/15
Article By: Little Egypt Arts Association

Marion Police Department needs your help
The Marion Police Department would like to ask the Chamber members and Business Owners within the corporate boundaries of the City of Marion to update and correct their key holder call lists for after-hours alarm calls.
Submitted: 06/17/15
Article By: City of Marion

IMPACT Summer Newsletter - Making an IMPACT on Young Lives

Submitted: 06/17/15
Article By: Brehm School Foundation

Marion youth martial artists compete in kickboxing tournament in St. Louis
Two Southern Illinois youth martial artists, Rodney Childers and Gaige Owens, competed in the semi-annual Prime Fight Series Surrender mixed martial arts competition in St. Louis. 
Submitted: 06/07/15
Article By: Combined Martial Arts (CMA)

For more member news, click here

Chamber News

Legislative Affairs Committee to host Lunch with Rep. Bost
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee will host Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) on Thursday, July 2 from 11:30 - 1 p.m. at 17th Street Bar & Grill in Marion. RSVPs are required as space is limited and will fill quickly.
Published: 06/24/15
Movie Night at Walker's Bluff to benefit the Marion Chamber Foundation
Despicable Me Outdoor Movie Showing at The Gazebo
Date: Friday, July 10, 2015
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. 
Published: 06/23/15
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at House 2 Home Realty
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on June 12 at 11:30 a.m. at House 2 Home Realty's new office in Marion located at 2400 A Williamson County Pkwy.
Published: 06/12/15
June Monthly Membership Luncheon held at Kokopelli
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Monthly Membership Luncheon was held on Tuesday, June 9 at noon at Rent One Ballpark. 
The presentation was given by Mike Pinto, Manager of the Southern Illinois Miners.
Mayer Networks was the sponsor of the June Monthly Membership Luncheon.
Published: 06/09/15
"Illinois - The State of Innovation" -- 2015 Edition Now Available
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is pleased to announce the 3rd edition of Illinois – The State of Innovation. 
Published: 06/01/15
For more, 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

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!

Host a Business After Hours event



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! March and 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
MCOC 2014 - Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 062415