Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 10022015

Calendar

"Howl at the Moon" Dueling Pianos
10/02/2015
Hospice of Southern Illinois Presents Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Friday, October 2, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Black Diamond Harley-Davidson - Events Center.

Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting
10/06/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting will be held at 8 a.m. at Heartland Regional Medical Center. 

Auditions for A Charlie Brown Christmas
10/06/2015
That's right, we are bringing back the days of Charlie Brown, Linus and the gang. And we are hoping to add some additional Christmas surprises for the night. Auditions are for kids ages 8-16. More information is available at: http://www.paradisealleyplayers.com/#!events/c66t

Marion Chamber of Commerce Nomination Committee meeting
10/07/2015
Marion Chamber of Commerce Nomination Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 7 at 8 a.m. at the Chamber office.

Auditions for A Charlie Brown Christmas

10/07/2015
That's right, we are bringing back the days of Charlie Brown, Linus and the gang. And we are hoping to add some additional Christmas surprises for the night. Auditions are for kids ages 8-16. More information is available at: http://www.paradisealleyplayers.com/#!events/c66t

Auditions for A Charlie Brown Christmas
10/08/2015
That's right, we are bringing back the days of Charlie Brown, Linus and the gang. And we are hoping to add some additional Christmas surprises for the night. Auditions are for kids ages 8-16. More information is available at: http://www.paradisealleyplayers.com/#!events/c66t

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Business Resource Group
10/09/2015
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on October 9 at Business Resource Group, with an open house held from 10 a.m. to noon.

Walk to End Alzheimer's - Marion,IL
10/10/2015The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.

Car Show & Flea Market

10/10/2015
A Car Show and Flea Market will be held on October 10 at Pickers Outlet Mall in Johnston City.

Free Seminar: How to Avoid Probate
10/12/2015
SI Elder Law, LLC will host a free seminar that explains ways to avoid probate. 

October Monthly Membership Luncheon
10/13/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Monthly Membership Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, October 13 at noon at Kokopelli. 

Williamson County Tourism Bureau CEO, Shannon Johnson, will provide an update on tourism in Williamson County and the state.

Priority Staffing Group Ltd is the sponsor of the October Monthly Membership Luncheon.

Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodation under the Illinois Human Rights Act
10/14/2015
Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodation under the Illinois Human Rights Act 
October 14 , 2015  |    9:30AM CST
 
Presenter:
Courtney Cox    
Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. 

Digital Domination -Promoting Your Business Online
10/14/2015
**Free Online Training Event**

Marion Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee meeting
10/15/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee meeting is held on the third Thurday of each month at 8 a.m. at South Porte Bank. 

Celtic Healthcare - Open Interviews
10/15/2015
Celtic Healthcare is having open interviews on October 15 from 4-6 p.m. at 8341 Express Drive, Suite C in Marion.

SIU Credit Union Celebrates International Credit Union (ICU) Day
10/15/2015
On October 15, 2015, SIU Credit Union will join with 56,000 credit unions around the world in celebration of International Credit Union (ICU) Day®. Cookies and punch will be available at all branch locations. The Marion branch will be hosting the WPSD Local 6 Super Shredder from 10 am to 5 pm. Bring up to 50 pounds of your personal documents to be shredded on-site for free.

Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother
10/15/2015

 2015 Dyslexia Conference at Brehm
10/16/2015
On Friday, October 16, 2015, Brehm Preparatory School, one of the nation’s leading schools for children with learning disabilities, will host the 2015 Harvard Medical School/Dyslexia Foundation Video Conference.

Shoe Sensation Clarks Trunk Show
10/16/2015
Shoe Sensation in Marion will have a Clarks Trunk Show on Friday, October 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Save 20% with the coupon!

Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother
10/16/2015

Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother
10/17/2015

Marion Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee meeting
10/20/2015
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.

Helping Homeless Veterans at Marion VA Stand Down Event
10/20/2015
On Tuesday, October 20th, 2015, the Marion VA’s Annual Stand-Down will be held at Black Diamond Harley Davidson Convention Center in Marion from 9:00am – 2:00pm.  A “stand down” is a military term used to label a “relaxation of status” of a unit or force from alert or sometimes used to describe a return to base camp for a warm meal and a much needed break. 

Marion Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee meeting
10/21/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. at the Chamber office. 

Business After Hours Program and Ribbon Cutting: Priority Staffing Group Ltd
10/22/2015
In celebration of their 5 year anniversary and Grand Opening, Priority Staffing Group & Payroll Co. Ltd. and Priority Professional Group, Ltd. will host a Business After Hours Program and a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, October 22, starting at 3:30 p.m. at their new location - 712 North Carbon Street, Marion. 

Business Before Hours Program - Shop Local with Susan Odum
10/22/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce will hold its Business Before Hours event on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at Heartland Regional Medical Center, Classroom 1. 

The event will begin at 7:45 a.m. with a breakfast provided by Heartland Regional Medical Center, networking activity, and a presentation by Susan Odum, Extension Educator on Community Economic Development with the University of Illinois Extension, on Buy Local principles. 

Higher Education Diverse Business Opportunity Fair
10/27/2015The Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative (IPHEC) welcomes you to participate in our Higher Education Diverse Business Opportunity Fair on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

S&B's Burger Joint Pay It Forward Event

10/27/2015
Make plans for lunch or dinner at S&B's Burger Joint that day and they will donate 10 % of the sales to Paradise Alley Players. As a not-for-profit community theatre company, we appreciate all who support us with their time, talent and contributions. We do it all to share the fun of being on the big stage!

Marion Chamber Annual Dinner Committee meeting
10/28/2015
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 28 at 8 a.m. at the Chamber office. 

Promote your business to New Chamber Members!

Each month, the Marion Chamber of Commerce averages 10-15 new voting members. 
 
WE NEED YOUR HELP!

  • The Marion Chamber is in need of your business’ goodies to distribute to all of our new voting members. Do you have cups, koozies, stress balls, coupons, fun trinkets, etc. that you would like to be presented to all new voting members at the Chamber in their new member gift bag? During each New Member Quarterly Luncheon, members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee meet with new members from the past quarter to go over their new member packets and give them a gift bag filled with goodies from our members to welcome them to the Chamber. Call or email the Chamber to include your business in the goodie bags today!
  • Do you have great discounts to offer other Chamber members? We can include you in our Member-to-Member Discounts! Click here to see who is already giving discounts to Marion Chamber of Commerce members. Call or email the Chamber today to start listing your Member-to-Member Discounts.
  • Do you want to offer a “thank you for joining the Marion Chamber Team” discount to only new Chamber voting members? We can include your coupon or discount in all new voting members’ packets. We already include offers from other members, including discounted advertising rates!  We would love to include something from your business in our packets.  This is a GREAT way for your business to get noticed by potential new business customers! 
  • Call or email the Marion Chamber today to list your new member discounts/coupons today!
 Our goal is to promote more business growth and an opportunity for our members to connect.  We hope you will take a moment and let us know what you are willing to offer.  We have so many great members with top notch products and services, we want to make sure we share the news!
 
Thank you!

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!

Help select Marion's best



Ashley Gott, Chairman of the Board of the Marion Chamber of Commerce, announced today that nominations are being accepted for the Chamber’s Annual Awards for Distinguished Member, Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Young Professional Leadership.

To nominate an individual, please fill out this form - the Annual Awards Nomination Form or call or visit the Marion Chamber of Commerce office to receive the nomination form. All nomination forms must be received by 4:30 p.m. on November 11, 2015. Awards will be presented at the Marion Chamber of Commerce’s 95th Annual Auction and Awards Banquet on Friday, January 15, 2016, at the Pavilion of the City of Marion.

The guidelines for the awards are as follows:
  • Distinguished Member: An individual who has shown outstanding community service through loyal, faithful, and unselfish efforts in lasting contribution to our community through the Marion Chamber of Commerce. The recipient of this award must be a voting member of the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
  • Citizen of the Year: An individual who has shown significant contribution for the betterment of our community and who has excelled in a field outside of the Chamber.
  • Lifetime Achievement: An individual who has demonstrated dedication and achievement in their chosen profession for forty (40) years or more.
  • Young Professional Leadership: An individual who demonstrates excellence and initiative in their business or profession and is under the age of 40.
For more information, or a list of past winners, click here

For more information, please call the Marion Chamber of Commerce at (618) 997-6311 or e-mail director@marionillinois.com.

Member Press Releases

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION’S WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S® 2015
Hundreds of Marion Residents are Raising Critically Needed Awareness and Funds 
Submitted: 10/01/15
Article By: Alzheimer's Association, GIC

AMANDA MAJEWSKI NAMED DIRECTOR OF PAYROLL SERVICES FOR EXTRA HELP, INC
Submitted: 09/29/15
Article By: Extra Help, Inc.

Veteran Stand Down event needs donations
Items Needed for Homeless Veterans: socks, t-shirts, sweats, underwear (new in pkg) toothpaste, deodorant, brushes, shampoo, soap towels, baby wipes, feminine products, zip lock bags, sleeping bags, tents, reading glasses, flashlights, batteries and non-perishable food items.
Submitted: 09/28/15
Article By: V.A. Medical Center

OPTIONS seekseeks community partners for the Non-Paid Internship Program
OPTIONS Transitions to Independence (OPTIONS), a post secondary program for students with learning disabilities, seeks additional community partners for the Non-Paid Internship Experience Program. 
Submitted: 09/28/15
Article By: Brehm School Foundation

Perma Treat of Illinois, Inc. achieves DBE certification through the US DoT
Perma Treat of Illinois, Inc., has recently been certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Submitted: 09/28/15
Article By: Perma Treat of Illinois, Inc.

Marion listed as one of 10 Best Cities in Illinois to Retire In
Marion was listed as one of the 10 Best Cities in Illinois to Retire In on Only In Your State Website.
Submitted: 09/28/15
Article By: City of Marion

Thank your employees with a company party at SI Bowl
Submitted: 09/28/15
Article By: SI Bowl Family Fun Center

Tom Harness Speaking the Ukraine - Harness Digital Marketing
Local business owner Tom Harness will be presenting in Kyiv, Ukraine at the Ukraine Media Partnership Program Conference. 
Submitted: 09/22/15
Article By: Harness Digital Marketing

Marion High School Update
Submitted: 09/22/15
Article By: CU #2 Schools - Marion

Marion Star has October/Breast Cancer Awareness special rates
Submitted: 09/20/15
Article By: The Marion Star

Color Southern Illinois Pink - Southern Illinois Resurfacing
Color Southern Illinois Pink is a pink ribbon lawn coloring service sales event designed to raise awareness about breast cancer! Southern Illinois Resurfacing Inc. will be DONATING 50% of ALL PROCEEDS to the American Cancer Society in support of breast cancer awareness! 
Submitted: 09/17/15
Article By: Harness Digital Marketing

Iraqi and Afghanistan Vets will PETAL4PTSD from Marion VA to Washington DC
Vets to Bike from Marion VA Medical Center to Washington D.C. Medical Center “Pedaling 4 PTSD” Sendoff Celebration at the Marion VA Medical Center, Monday, September 14th at 10:45am.
Submitted: 09/10/15
Article By: V.A. Medical Center


For more Member Press Releases, click here

New Marion Profile Book published


Click here to be taken to the online version of the new Marion Profile Book. For a copy of the Marion Profile Book, call or visit the Chamber office.

Chamber News

Marion Chamber teams up with Profile Display
The Marion Chamber Of Commerce is always looking for ways to help its members gain exposure.
Published: 09/30/15
31st annual Marion Chamber Golf Scramble held 9/24
The Marion Chamber of Commerce held its 31st annual Golf Scramble on Thursday, September 24, beginning with a noon shotgun start. Lunch was held from 11 a.m. - noon. Dinner was served from 5-7 p.m. 
Published: 09/24/15
Unemployment Rates Down; Job Growth Remains Slow and Uneven
August was the 18th month in a row that unemployment rates fell in every metro area in the state compared to a year ago, according to preliminary data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Despite some job growth, six metro areas saw job loss.
Published: 09/24/15
Regional Chamber Luncheon held 9/23
This year's Regional Chamber Kick Off Luncheon for Shop Southern Illinois was held on Wednesday, September 23rd at 11:30 am at the Carterville Community Center in Cannon Park in conjunction with National Chamber of Commerce Week. 
Published: 09/23/15
September Business After Hours Program: WORKcare.ready.well and Rehab Unlimited Marion
The September Business After Hours Program was held on Thursday, September 10 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Rehab Unlimited in Marion, 1403 Joe Abbot Way, and hosted by WORKcare.ready.well and Rehab Unlimited Marion.
Published: 09/10/15
95th Marion Chamber Annual Auction & Awards Banquet to be held 1/15
The Marion Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to attend our 95th Annual Auction & Awards Banquet on Friday, January 15, 2016 at The Pavilion.
Published: 09/08/15
September Monthly Membership Luncheon held
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Monthly Membership Luncheon was held on Tuesday, September 8 at 11:45 a.m. at Kokopelli. Clearwave Communications was the sponsor of the September Monthly Membership Luncheon.

Published: 09/08/15
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at Krispy Kreme
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at 9 a.m. on September 4 at Krispy Kreme in Marion.
Published: 09/04/15

For more Chamber News, click here.

Welcome New Members

Law Offices of Joe Moore
Joe Moore
moore.joe62959@gmail.com
Join Date: 09/01/2015

Pepsi MidAmerica
Zach McGinn
Website
ZMcGinn@pepsimidamerica.com
Join Date: 09/03/2015

Evelyn F. Barber - Trainer/Consultant
Evelyn Barber
efbarber1@frontier.com
Join Date: 09/08/2015

Would you like to host a BAH?



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! November-December are open!

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

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!

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. 
  • October - Priority Staffing Group Ltd. 
  • November - AVAILABLE
  • December - Massage On Call

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.

Send a Member eBlast!



The Marion Chamber of Commerce is happy to send promotional eBlasts once a week on behalf of members as a member benefit for $50. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A company may only request a Member eBlast once a month. Click here for the form. 

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
Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter - Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 10022015