2026 EVENT INFORMATION

Around 480 Chamber members and guests gathered at the Pavilion for the 105th Chamber Annual Banquet on January 16th 2026. Registration went smoothly thanks to our volunteers: Megan, Jennifer, Whitney, Sandy, Matt, and Registration sponsor Clearwave Fiber! Our Coat Check, sponsored by Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois was managed by Take Action Today volunteers. The Ballroom and Expo areas looked beautiful thanks to the Hospitality sponsor visitsi and committee volunteers. MHS FBLA and ROTS students, hosted by Campbell Insurance, greeted attendees and presented the Colors to kick off the event. Regional and state Chamber Directors were hosted by Pathfinders CPA.

The Social Hour, sponsored by Mayer Networks, included delicious Appetizers provided by Cold Blooded Catering and sponsored by Vernell’s Interstate Service and Bank of Herrin, fun photo opportunities at the 360PhotoBooth, sponsored by Banterra Bank and SIU Credit Union. Attendees enjoyed live music from the Joy Brooker, sponsored by James Arthur Design Company.

Our Silent Auction and Wall of Fun highlighted items provided by amazing fellow Chamber members and sponsored by AISIN Group and Golden Eagle Distributing. Proceeds from the Silent Auction, Wall of Fun, and Duck Spree will go to the Chamber Foundation. New for 2026 is the Ultimate Luck of the Draw, hosted by Wisper Internet.

Our popular Wine & Spirit Pull sold out early and was sponsored by Farmers State Bank! Thank you to Julie and Amanda for managing this year’s pull. Attendees enjoyed sweet, savory, and classic flavors with our Signature Drinks – sponsored by Black Diamond Harley Davidson, First Southern Bank, Glaciers End and Futivia.

Dinner was provided by Crystal’s Catering, dessert is sponsored by SouthernTrust Bank and Interstate Tire Pros Auto Service – Coffee was hosted by Priority Staffing Group.

 Our awards ceremony was filled with applause as we recognized 2025 award honorees:

Award of Excellence: Jennifer Mick and Steve Miller
Mayor’s Service Award: Heroes United and MHS Building and Trades Program
Citizen of the Year Award: Jessica Farmer
Distinguished Business Award: James Arthur Design Company
Distinguished Member Award: Michael ‘Cru’ Rounsaville
Lifetime Achievement: Hayden Gardiner, Fellowship Lodge #89, Deborah Hogg
Young Professional Leadership: Bailey Lowes

Press Releases are available in our News Section.

We were also honored to recognize those lost in the past year with our In Memoriam. Check out images of our honors and the night on the Annual Banquet More official pictures will be posted in the coming weeks.

IN MEMORIAM

The Annual Dinner Committee honors those we have lost in the past year who have contributed to the Marion Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Marion area. The tribute will be played during the annual Marion Chamber of Commerce Auction & Awards Banquet.