ISSUE

09 SEPT 2011

a publication of:

2012 Annual Awards 2012

Annual Awards Ribbon Cuttings

Member News

page 2

2011 Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Lisa Hudgens, Chairman John A. Logan College

Mary Jo McCurdy, 1st Vice Chairman Williams & Associates

Jeanine Ragain, 2nd Vice Chairman Banterra Bank

Rick Richert, Secretary/Treasurer Flanders Electric

Brian Ziegler, Immediate Past Chair Clarida-Ziegler Engineering

Ray Altmix

Sara Bond

Jim Brandt *

Steve Cook

Patricia Cruse

Rich Davis

Glenn Edwards

Hayden Gardiner *

Kenya Garner

Tracey Glenn *

Ashley Gott

Cindy Gibbons *

Erik Haag

Deborah Hogg

Angela Holmes-Young

Janet Jensen

Doug Kimmel

Steve Lappin *

Jill Lewis

Scott Murrie

Bill Nielsen *

James D. Parker *

Darren Pulley *

George Sheppard

Kimberly Nolen-Walker

* Past Chairman

George Trammell President/CEO

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is an organization of business and professional people working together to build a healthy economy and to improve the quality of life in our community for our members.

Congratulations go out to Mike Pinto for his contract extension through 2016. Pinto has led the Southern Illinois Miners since their inaugural season in 2007. The Miners organization has been very, very good for Marion and Southern Illinois.

We just learned that the Crab Orchard and Egyptian Railroad will once again host the ‘Santa’s Train’. Trains will run Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26. After the initial weekend, the trains will run Saturdays and Sundays through December 18th. This year a special car has been added for parties and special events. More information will be forth coming with ticket sales locations and hours of the trips.

September also brings; the wrap-up of the Miners season and play offs, high school, college and big time football, festivals all over Southern Illinois, Hunting and Fishing Days at John A. Logan College, Marion’s Hub Fest, Wine Trails to go down, and so many more thing to do in Beautiful Southern Illinois. Come on out and play!

On The Front Cover Mary Jo McCurdy

Scott Murrie Roman Basi

chamber

27th Annual Golf Scramble The Marion Chamber of Commerce hosted it’s 27th Annual Golf Scramble at Kokopelli Golf Club July 15, 2011. The day long event featured a morning and afternoon flight composed of four and six person teams. The day started early with tee off at 7:00AM and lasted well into the early evening hours. This years scramble had 141 golfers enjoying the beautiful day while competing for tournament trophies. The morning winners were Team Clearwave and Team Stiles Office Solutions. Team Clarida-Ziegler and Team Golden Eagle took the afternoon trophies.

2011 The Marion Chamber of Commerce Golf Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in this years event. A big thank you also goes out to all of the event sponsors and to those that donated items for prizes and the silent auction. The golf scramble is a major fundraiser for the Chamber and the all of the support is greatly appreciated.

chamber Luncheons

Ribbon Cuttings

T he June 2011 luncheon featured guest speaker Mike Pinto. Members and guests heard what the Southern Illinois Miners baseball coach does during the off-season, as he shared a few experiences about

building motivation and confidence skills. Chamber members Gail Lannom (Priority Staffing), Scott Murrie (Palmer & Murrie Abstract Co.), Mike Pinto (Southern Illinois Miners), Terry Jones (Commercial Janitorial Systems), Sara Bond (Perma Treat Lumber) and Scott Phelps( 5/3 Bank) wowed the crowd by eating fire.

Artstarts celebrated their new location at 104 South Van Buren in Marion. Artstarts is a Southern Illinois based, non-profit charitable organization devoted to making the "Arts" accessible to all Southern Illinois children. 618.922.1853

Helia Healthcare unveiled their new facility, ARCH, in Energy. ARCH (Active Recovery Center of Helia) is this area’s newest short term care and recovery facility. They are located at 210 E College Street in Energy. 618.942.7014

Ruby’s Hair & Nail Salon hosted a ribbon cutting at 807 N Court Street, Marion. Salon owner, Kathi Odum, celebrated the location by cutting the ribbon. Ruby’s offers a full range of hair & nail services. 618.997.7829

W illiamson County Commissioner Tracey Glenn presented the Recycle Williamson County Organization Of The Year 2011 award to the Marion Chamber of Commerce. Accepting the award was George Trammell and Chairman of the Board, Lisa Hudgens (John A. Logan College). Recycle Williamson County welcomes participation in the recycling project. If you are interested, please call 618.997.1301

C arrie Nelsen from the Illinois Department of Transportation was on hand for the July luncheon. Carrie discussed the road construction projects that are under way in the area, as well as future plans. Videos were shown that demonstrated the proposed roadway changes.

member news

A Member Perspective What kind of Membership Chairperson would I be if I didn’t mention recruitment? Recruitment is a key part of any organization especially a thriving one like the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. Growth and diversity in members and member businesses are very important to us here at the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce.

Activities and events along with membership and committee meetings are a great place to find valuable business contacts and ways to promote your products. We are often the first to find out about job opportunities in the area. We communicate

upcoming training opportunities, professional networking opportunities – all valuable aspects of membership that foster business relationships and connections that can benefit you in the future.

How can you help? Take the time to think about your personal and professional acquaintances and colleagues. Is there someone that you know that could really benefit from chamber membership? Chances are that we could benefit from them as well. So, I am asking you to please bring a guest to our next Membership Luncheon Meeting. Our next luncheon is Tuesday, September 13 at Noon at Koko’s Restaurant (Kokopelli).

If your guest cannot make our next luncheon meeting – invite them to a committee meeting or

a board meeting. Did you know that anyone is always welcome to attend a board meeting? Here at the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce – we are proud of our members, our committees and our board. I would like to welcome you and/or your guest to visit and participate in any way that they can.

We all know that we are only as strong as our members. The more and diverse membership that we retain – the better opportunities for ourselves and the community that we serve. Get involved! Come join us! Bring a friend! These are only a few of the ways that you too can be involved.

Angela Holmes-Young

HR Consultant with Your Professional Partners

Business After Hours Chamber members gathered August 16 at Speakeasy Liquors in Marion for Business After Hours. It was estimated that over 100 people attended the event. Guests were treated to wine tasting and food by The Hideout. Of course tours of the new building were popular, as well as networking with all of the great crowd!

Business After Hours & Summer Giveaway

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:30—7:00 PM

RSVP: Call Jennifer Vineyard 618.997.3030

member news

members who have re-invested Williamson County Programs on Aging Honeybakers Restaurant Old National Bank MidCountry Bank Kevin W. Bragee, CPA, LLC SI Elder Law 17th Street Bar &Grill Graham Family Medicine Little Egypt Estates Ruby's Hair & Nail Salon The Hill Entrepreneurship & Business Development Western Sizzlin Steak House TEPPCO

Carlisle Media Group Hurst Rosche Engineers, Inc Fujiyama Restaurant Williams & Associates Alliance Screening & Occupational Health Zeller Construction Zeller Construction of Marion, Inc. HR Physical Therapy Salvation Army, The Occupational Performance & Rehab, PC Weekly Review Hilliard Lyons Inc. Arthritis Foundation MERS Goodwill Borowiak’s IGA The H Group Tru-Bilt Monica McGinley, Coldwell Banker The Center for Financial Legal & Tax Planning

Williamson County Tourism Bureau Kemper CPA Group, LLP Bennie's Italian Foods Edward Jones - Randy Lewis Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Arthur Agency Moss Lawn Care Southern Illinois Redi-Mix, Inc. Raymond James Financial Services Tequilas Mexican Restaurant Knights of Columbus Community Unit #2 Schools Koller Homes Country Inn & Suites

H elia Healthcare / ARCH 210 East College Street, Energy, IL Chris Haake, Administrator 618.942.7140 www.heliahealthcare.com/energy

W ells Fargo Home Mortgage 4501 West DeYoung St., Ste. 103 B, Marion, IL Darlene Harris, Branch Manager 618.713.6921

welcome new members

B attery Merchants, Inc. 1300 E. DeYoung St., Marion Lee Thomason, President 618.993.8080 S outhern Dental Laboratory

509 East DeYoung St., Marion, IL James Marlo, Owner 618.997.2577

Consumers are 63% more likely to buy

from chamber members.

member news

Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence The Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU Carbondale is proud to welcome Disney’s Approach to

Business Excellence One-Day Workshop to Carbondale, IL

For over 85 years, The Walt Disney Company has maintained a comfortable and lasting position in the marketplace due to a strong commitment to its core values. Throughout this course, you gain insight into the strategies that drive the Disney organization, including its emphasis on inspiring creativity, leadership excellence, people management, quality service, and brand loyalty practices. Discover how to adapt these methods to strengthen your organization and help drive long-term results.

You can learn how to:

• Adapt Disney business strategies and practices to improve your organization. • Develop a leadership vision that inspires dedication and commitment among employees. • Apply key elements of the Disney people management strategy to strengthen your culture. • Develop an organizational culture that supports consistent delivery of exceptional quality service. • Foster a collaborative environment that draws on the creative resources of your entire organization. • Incorporate time-tested principles for building and fortifying brand loyalty.

September 29, 2011 8:30 – 9:00 Registration 9:00 – 4:00 Program Holiday Inn and Conference Center Carbondale, IL (618) 536-2424 $275 Person

Please contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center to reserve your space for Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence at (618)536-2424 or register online at siusbdc.com/disney Register today! Space is limited!

AISIN MFG. Illinois, LLC Announces Promotions Marion, Illinois, August 8, 2011 — Aisin Mfg. Illinois, LLC is pleased to announce the following promotions: Mike Moses—Sunroof Injection Advisor Gabe Portee — Rim and Glass Advisor Buck Bate — Receiving Advisor

Ann Stewart — Paint Advisor Marie Raines — Paint Advisor Derek Hanson — Handle Assembly Advisor Bonnie Morris - Outside Handle Injection Advisor Cindy Clements — Frame Assembly Advisor Miranda Griffith-Human Resources Representative Jessica Cowan—Production Control Specialist Aisin Mfg. Illinois, LLC, located in the REDCO Industrial Park area in Marion, manufactures sunroofs and door components for automotive manufacturers including Toyota, GM, Mitsubishi and Subaru.

member news

Pepsi MidAmerica Celebrates 75 Years Marion, Illinois, July 14, 2011. Pepsi MidAmerica held a “Can

Opening” event in the parking lot of Borowiak’s IGA to celebrate their 75 years of business. Pepsi MidAmerica and Crisp Container President and CEO Lee Crisp, members of the Chamber and the general public gathered with a cold can of Pepsi while Mayor Robert Butler read a proclomation in honor of the company’s success.

Marion Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Lisa Hudgens (JALC) visits with Rick Richert (Flanders Electric) and Vice President of Pepsi MidAmerica Jim Brandt .

Pepsi MidAmerica highlighted their 75th Anniversary by presenting an outdoor concert at Rent One Park. Guests enjoyed a full day of music and give-aways, including seven Harley Davidson motorcycles. Musical perfomers included Francesca Battistelli, Gloriana, Little Big Town and Kellie Pickler. Several hot air balloons filled the park and flew out during the event. The evening wrapped up with a laser show and fireworks.

Pepsi MidAmerica employs over 1000 people across five states.

Connect With The Chamber With rapidly changing technologies and the growth of social media, one can wonder what the preferred contact or interaction method is with the Marion Chamber of Commerce? The answer is…the way that suits you BEST! If you are on the go, you can keep up to date by viewing our Facebook or Twitter pages. If you are at your desk, you may visit us through our web page. If you are driving by on Main, you can stop by for a visit. And of course, you may pick up the phone and give us a call!

Marion Chamber of Commerce 2305 West Main Street

Post Office Box 307 Marion, Illinois 62959 Phone: 618.997.6311

Fax: 618.997.4665 www.marionillinois.com

advocacy

Illinois Department of Employment Security

Unemployment rates declined in 19 of 21 Southern Illinois counties compared to one year ago. The labor force data is not seasonally adjusted. Over the year, labor market conditions gradually improved throughout Southern Illinois. Construction activity increased especially on commercial, school, and road projects. Employment advances continued in Professional-Business Services and Health Care. Moderate job gains occurred in Transportation, Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade and Mining. Students found temporary and part-time summer jobs primarily at recreational facilities, retail businesses, restaurants and lawn service operations. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.

Since January 2010 when Illinois employment resumed after the national recession, Illinois has added +72,200 net new jobs. Leading sectors are Professional and Business Services (+34,200); Educational and Health Services (+26,000); Manufacturing (+20,000); Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+16,000). Compared to last year, Manufacturing employment is up +11,300 over its July 2010 level. The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information development. It does so through nearly 60 offices, including Illinois workNet centers.

Local Area Unemployment Statistics County July 11 July 10 Union 11.0 % 12.6 % Johnson 10.3 % 11.6 % Saline 9.6 % 10.3 % Williamson 8.7 % 9.6 % Franklin 11.9 % 13.7 % Jackson 8.1 % 8.7 %

Illinois House and Senate Hold Joint Revenue Commi ee Hearing Marion, Illinois, August 30, 2011. The 97th General Assembly Revenue and Finance Committee held a joint hearing at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center in Marion on August 30, 2011. Committee Chairman John Bradley and five other committee members met to receive public input on the subject matter of Illinois business tax structure and incentive programs. Community leaders and business owners gave testimony and comments about how Illinois tax structure, regulations and other policies impact business and our economic climate. The Revenue and Finance Committee held three other public forums throughout Illinois and is encouraging businesses and organizations to share their input, as they are looking to use the gathered information in future policy.

Chamber President & CEO George Trammell speaks to the committee.

programs

2 0 1 2 A n n u a l A w a r d s Each year the Chamber recognizes members who have shown outstanding community service, significant contributions to the Chamber and community and to those who have excelled throughout their professional career. The award winners are nominated by Chamber members and those nominations are now being accepted. Please submit your nominations to George Trammell by letter or email to trammell@marionillinois.com.

Distinguised Chamber Member An individual who has shown outstanding community service through loyal, faithful and unselfish efforts in lasting contributions to our community through Marion Chamber of Commerce. Requirement: The nominee of this award must be a Chamber member.

Citizen of the Year An individual who has shown signigicant contributions for the betterment of our community and who has excelled in a field outside of the Chamber.

Lifetime Achievement Award Presented annually to an individual (s) for the dedication and achievement in their chosen profession for forty (40) years or more.

Join A Committee The Marion Chamber of Commerce manages many committees throughout the year. Chamber members volunteer their time to serve on these committees and we would like you to be a part of our team! Please send an email to marionchamber@marionillinois.com with the name of the committee you would like to serve on in the subject line. A Chamber representative will contact you!

Special Events Committees

Annual Dinner Community Day / Southern Illinois Miners

Graduation Spree Golf Scramble

Standing Committees

Legislative Affairs Marketing

Membership Retention

Marion Chamber Board of Directors The Board of Directors are thirty individuals representing member businesses. They are elected by the membership for a three year term. Board members set the policy for the Chamber of Commerce. They are ambassadors for the Chamber. They volunteer their time aside from their regular jobs to promote the Chamber’s mission. They attend Chamber and committee meetings and help with Chamber and other community events. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please contact George Trammell at the Chamber office.

calendar

Marion Chamber Bass Tournament

2 Man “Buddy” Tournament October 23, 2011 Lake of Egypt 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

For Complete Registration, Tournament Rules and General Information Visit www.marionillinois.com Or Scan the QR Tag

Presented By

Sponsors

Please Visit www.marionillinois.com For a Complete Listing of Activities

calendar

Sept 5 Labor Day - Office Closed Sept 9 USPS Seminar “Grow Your Business”, Marion Carnegie Library Sept 9 The Little Black Dress Party, Walker’s Bluff Sept 10 Landscape Clean-Up Day, The Median at West Main & I-57 Sept 13 Board of Directors Meeting, 8AM, Heartland Regional Medical Center Sept 13 Monthly Membership Luncheon, Noon, Kokopelli Sept 20 Membership Committee Meeting, Noon, Fujiyama Sept 21 Business After Hours, 4:30—7:00 PM, Hospice of Southern Illinois Sept 23 Ravishing in Red-Party, 6:00 PM, StarView Vineyards, Cobden Sept 24 HubFest, Downtown Marion Sept 24 Hunting & Fishing Days, John A. Logan College Sept 25 Hunting & Fishing Days, John A. Logan College Sept 29 Disney Institute Workshop, 8:30 AM, Holiday Inn, Carbondale

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Marion Chamber of Commerce 2305 West Main Street, P. O. Box 307 Marion, Illinois, 62959 Phone: 618.997.6311 Fax: 618.997.4665 www.marionillinois.com marionchamber@marionillinois.com

George Trammell President/CEO trammell@marionillinois.com Joni Barwick Admin Asst & Membership Development barwick@marionillinois.com

If your business or organization has an

event you would like on our website

calendar, please email.

I WANT LISTED!