August 2026 Monthly Membership Luncheon

The luncheon opened with a welcome from Matt Carnaghi, Board Chair, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Pastor John Holst of Zion United Church of Christ. After the invocation, Matt introduced Brian Burgess, Director of the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency, who presented on disaster preparedness, business continuity planning, and the role emergency management plays in disaster response and long-term community recovery. His remarks aligned with the Marion Chamber’s focus on growing, engaging, and connecting the local business community. Burgess explained that emergency management often serves as connective tissue among residents, first responders, state and federal resources, and local organizations after an incident occurs. He emphasized the importance of business continuity planning, encouraged businesses to evaluate whether business interruption insurance could help protect operations from unexpected disruptions, and introduced opportunities for the business community to support recovery efforts through the Southern Illinois Regional Community Organizations Active in Disaster.

The luncheon also included chamber announcements about the Sister City Kanie Delegation, the Southern Illinois Regional Legislative Summit, the Southern Illinois Made Expo, the 42nd Annual Chamber Golf Scramble, and the 105th Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony. Member Impact Group updates highlighted upcoming ribbon cuttings, new Chamber members, advertising opportunities, and future committee involvement, while the Business Advocacy Task Force shared information on APOGEE Quarterly Coffee, Illinois Chamber workshops, and upcoming workforce development events. The program closed with Luck of the Draw, thanks to sponsors and partners, and an invitation to the September 8 luncheon at The Pavilion.

Luncheon Presentation

Brian Burgess – Williamson County Emergency Management Agency Director

The presentation began with background on Brian Burgess, including his work as a special educator and his degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Although he originally came from north of I-80, he noted that he now considers himself a Southern Illinoisan. He thanked the executive director for the invitation, explaining that opportunities like this help fulfill his mission as emergency management director in Williamson County. He also outlined his five-year strategic goal, which includes strengthening public-private partnerships and improving disaster preparedness.

Overview of Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery

The discussion then moved into business continuity planning resources available through Williamson County Emergency Management, including templates and recommendations for local businesses. Burgess also referenced informational materials from the Small Business Administration related to disaster recovery. During this portion of the program, he engaged attendees in a participatory question-and-answer discussion about the roles of fire departments, police departments, and emergency management agencies, then shared how his own fire service background shaped his early understanding of emergency management’s broader role.

Role of Emergency Management and Disaster Continuum

In explaining emergency management’s role, Burgess noted that the agency does not typically serve a tactical role during an incident but instead focuses on the disaster continuum after first responders have left. He described Williamson County Emergency Management as connective tissue linking local residents, response agencies, state and federal programs, and community recovery resources. He also highlighted the challenge Southern Illinois communities face because lower population density can make it difficult to meet federal disaster assistance thresholds.

Public-Private Partnerships and Long-Term Recovery Committee

Public-private partnerships were emphasized as an essential part of disaster recovery, especially because the business community can provide practical support when local needs exceed available resources. Burgess discussed the creation of the Long-Term Recovery Committee and its effectiveness following the May 16 tornado event. The committee model was inspired by a similar recovery group in Mayfield, Kentucky, and included local businesses donating cash, materials, and other support. He shared examples of how the committee helped affected property owners with deductibles and other recovery needs.

Engaging the Business Community in Disaster Recovery

The presentation closed with an encouragement for businesses to engage with community recovery efforts and assist the Southern Illinois Regional Community Organizations Active in Disaster. Burgess explained that businesses can multiply recovery capacity by contributing materials, labor, skilled trades, and other practical resources. He also offered contact information for businesses interested in participating in disaster recovery efforts and stressed the importance of business interruption insurance, sharing a story from the Highland Park shooting to illustrate its value.

Chamber Announcements

Matt Carnaghi thanked Brian Burgess for his presentation and acknowledged the importance of emergency management. He then announced several upcoming Chamber and community events, including the Sister City Kanie Delegation visit, the Southern Illinois Regional Legislative Summit, the Southern Illinois Made Expo, the 42nd Annual Chamber Golf Scramble, and the 105th Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony. He closed this portion by inviting Jennifer Mint to provide member impact updates.

Jennifer Mick shared updates on upcoming ribbon cuttings, welcomed new Chamber members, and highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses by attending ribbon-cutting events.

New Members

• Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals – Allison Hasler
• Culligan Water – Michelle Star
• TruTest HRT – Callie Williams
• Ascension Roofing Illinois, LLC – Allison Ricci
• Kochan and Kochan, P.C. – Mark Kochan

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

• Ground Breaking for the Concord Village Project on August 26^th at 3:30 pm
• Ribbon Cutting for the Centennial Celebration for Adams Shoes on August 28^th
• Ribbon Cutting for Shawnee Health’s Children’s Dental Center on Sept 1^st at 10 am.
• Ribbon Cutting for The Insurance House new location on September 10^th at 11 am.

She also introduced new promotional opportunities, including the Community and Visitor Map, digital sign sponsorships, future weekly e-news sponsorships, and website business directory banner options. She encouraged interested members to join the Member Impact Group and Ambassadors program at a future meeting.

Sandra Mann discussed the APOGEE Quarterly Coffee Series, emphasizing its focus on professional development, networking, and leadership growth across Southern Illinois. She also highlighted upcoming workshops hosted by the Illinois Chamber and several workforce-building events, including the ManTraCon Apprenticeship Roundtable, the Fifth Annual Workforce Summit, and the High School College and Career Fair. She encouraged members to participate in these opportunities to stay informed, connected, and engaged in regional workforce efforts.

Luck of the Draw and Closing Remarks

Chamber Executive Director, Karen Mullins, conducted the Chamber Foundation Luck of the Draw Raffle portion of the luncheon, thanked the sponsors Real Merchant Services and Susan Willis Photography, and announced the winner. She also announced the next luncheon date and theme, which will focus on business resources and networking. Karen encouraged members to bring colleagues, connect with different business organizations, and stay involved in upcoming Chamber events and opportunities.