2023 Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony

2023 EVENT INFORMATION

The 102nd Annual Awards Banquet and Auction took place on Friday, January 20th, 2023 at the Pavilion in Marion. This banquet is an occasion to celebrate the previous year and our ‘Of The Year’ honorees.

Our awards banquet kicked off with a social hour sponsored by Pepsi MidAmerica. Attendees enjoyed signature drinks, a virtual and in-person silent auction, wine & spirit pull, a delicious dinner, and awards. Please check out event spotlights!

Chamber Executive Director, Karen Mullins, recaps the previous year.

Attendees had the option to mix and mingle with fellow members.

Hospitality Sponsor visitSI

Programs Sponsor Zeller Construction.

Executive Director, Karen Mullins, recaps the previous year.

Marion High School FBLA Students greeted guests. Thank you!

Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal provided by Crystal’s Catering and Dessert.

Dessert Sponsored by SouthernTrust Bank

Emcee Jon Wofford

Attendees enjoyed pre-event snacks

Sponsored by Consume

Groups gathered for our new Photo Stage for images to print out and send to their phones.

Sponsored by Commercial Janitorial Services

Attendees mingle and check out Silent Auction Items.

Silent Auction sponsored by Golden Eagle Distributors and AISIN Group

Online/ In Person Silent Auction

Our Silent Auction spotlights great items provided by our members, community partners, and national vendors – including memorabilia, one of a kind items, jewelry, trips, and local items to enjoy all year round! Proceeds from the auction go to the Marion Chamber Foundation.

Thank you for everyone who took part!!

Live Auction

This year we added a Live Auction element to the event featuring great getaways. SIH was our live auction sponsor and the giveaways include members Blue Sky Winery and Your Jeweler. The other package features spa and golf experiences in Pinehurst NC.

In Memoriam

William Cook

1/7/2022

Lisa Stroud

2/2/2022

Ralph Graham

2/17/2022

Gerald Feezor

3/15/2022

Ernest "Ernie" Rinella

3/27/2022

Larry Moore

4/4/2022

Darles Jenkins

5/21/2022

Sharon Wilson

8/16/2022

Rev Cecil Atchison

8/20/2022

Brian Stotlar

8/23/2022

Shirley Fisher

8/25/2022

Penny Phillips

10/9/2022

John Randall Patchett

12/12/2022

Award of Excellence - Marilyn Jones Stritzel

Sponsored by SouthernTrust Bank

A Chamber member who has made significant contributions to the community through the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

Young Professional Leadership Award Honoree - Laura Chairez

Sponsored by SIU Credit Union

An individual who demonstrates excellence and initiative in their business or profession and is under the age of 40.

Mayor's Service Award - Tom Logan

A business or industry who has went above and beyond to serve the Marion community.

Lifetime Achievement - Kathy Lively & Wayland Sims

Sponsored by First Southern Bank

An individual who has demonstrated dedication and achievement in a professional capacity for 30 years or more.

Business & Industry of the Year - Our Local Educators

Sponsored by Deaconess Illinois

A business or industry who has went above and beyond to serve the Marion community.
Represetned by Members Marion Unit #2, Brehm Preparatory Academy, John A. Logan College, and Southern Illinois University.