Join us as we celebrate 2023 at our Annual Awards Dinner!

The dinner will be catered by Cold Blooded Coffee and Roastery and will include:

The Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual or group who has gone above and beyond in service to our Chamber and community during the past year. 

The Business of the Year Award recognizes a Herrin Chamber business with outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the economic growth and quality of life in Herrin. Some of the specific criteria that could be considered for this award include: growth, business strategy, community involvement, and exceptional customer service.

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a local resident who has made a significant impact on our community and who has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment in service to others.

The Young Citizen of the Year Award is given to an individual under 40 years old who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service in the community as well as a commitment to the work of the Chamber.

The President’s Award is given to an individual or group who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, not only in their own business, but also in the local community. Nominations for this award are decided by the Herrin Chamber of Commerce President.  

The Economic Development Committee is charged with evaluating issues and proposals having an economic impact on the community and making recommendations to the Board of Directors, and with suggesting to the Board of Directors initiatives that will foster economic development in the community.

This committee meets in February and July on the third Thursday of the month at 9 a.m.

With your help the Herrin Chamber's 2024 Leap of Kindness Day will make an impact!

Several local organizations have already shared with us what they need. We are sharing the full list of requests with you below. Our hope is that everyone will take a look at what is needed and decide to spend their extra day, on Thursday, February 29th, doing something kind for someone else.

You can drop off donations for Leap of Kindness Day at one of the following locations anytime (during their business hours) by March 1. 5T's Custom Creations in Herrin, Rhiannon Storm- Country Financial in Herrin, visitSI in Marion, or at the Herrin Chamber office (on Monday, February 26th between 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.).

If you decide to participate in Leap of Kindness Day as an individual or business - either by helping with one of these requests or coming up with your own idea - we invite you to fill out this form to let us know what you plan to do and for whom.

Here is the list of organizations that could use our help:

Franklin Williamson Child Advocacy Center-  Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Body Wash, Pads, Liners, Tampons, Little bags (like the Ipsy samples) for the pads and tampons, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Hairbrushes and Combs

Herrin Animal Control- Cleaning supplies, dog food, cat food, cat litter

Herrin House of Hope- Looking for groups/businesses/organizations that would be willing to hold a food drive in March to help stock shelves in time for Easter. Their pantry will be open all month long starting March 1st and the need for food for the pantry will be greatly increased.

Herrin Community Pantry- Jelly, red jello, SPAM (generic is fine), brownie mix, canned pinto beans, oatmeal (cooked or instant), hamburger/skillet helper, saltine crackers

Herrin Junior High could use some full size shower gels, pads, tampons, and feminine wipes for their supply closet. They could also use some little "Ipsy" bags to put the feminine hygiene products in.)

Hospice of Southern Illinois, INC. Give back to Hospice of Southern Illinois with a click of an "Add to Cart" button. Head to https://a.co/5e4LJeB to donate essential items to their patients today.

Southern Illinois Classroom Wish Lists- Click on the organization name to see ALL the Classroom Wish Lists on one page. Find a list. Shop. Items will be sent directly to the teacher's school.

Survivor Empowerment Center- blankets, single sheet sets, pillows, towels, shampoo, conditioner

Other ideas for Leap of Kindness Day:

• Drop off a meal at your local police or fire department
• Send cards, flowers, or non-skid socks to nursing homes
• Pick up litter along the road or clean up a park, playground, or trail
• Encourage your children to write heartfelt thank you notes to educators, custodians, bus drivers, and others
• Treat a friend to coffee
• Send an encouraging text message to a friend
• Let someone "cut" in front of you in the checkout line
• Hide encouraging notes throughout your office for your co-workers
• If you own a business- donate a portion of sales on February 29 to your favorite charity organization