Committees

Chambers have been serving communities for centuries and are always looking for ways to innovate and meet the unique needs of their community. These needs are defined by their members and implemented by dynamic groups of people. The Marion Chamber of Commerce is successful because of the dynamic people who donate their time and expertise to this organization through committee service. We are always looking for new ideas and energy to further our vision for Marion’s progressive future.

Our committees are made up of regular Chamber members. The groups are led by Committee Chairs who run meetings and discussion. Our chairs are mainly board members so they can report at our quarterly Board Meetings.

If you would like to sign up for a committee, please contact the Chamber office at 618-997-6311, by email, or log into your membership portal and look under ‘Engagement’.

Our Groups center around themes of the Chamber’s 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan.

GROUPS FOCUSING ON ADVOCACY & MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

Business Advocacy Task Force

Committee Chairs: Matt Carnaghi, James Arthur Design Group & Sandra Mann, Vernell’s Interstate Service

The goals of the Business Advocacy Task Force are to focus on getting elected and community leaders together to work on concerns facing the business community, economic vitality, and quality of life – including workforce, professional development, and business resources. The task force is a non-partisan organization and shall neither endorse candidates for public office/political parties. The Committee meets monthly, usually on the second Thursday of each month at 10 am.

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Member Impact Group

Committee Chairs: Megan Orange, Priority Staffing Group & Jennifer Mick, Legence Bank

This group meets quarterly to develop member marketing resources, create effective member networking experiences, and build a stronger membership core to align with the Strategic Plan. The Committee meets quarterly, usually on the third Tuesday of the month at noon.

Member Marketing Materials

Ambassador Committee

Committee Chairs: Megan Orange, Priority Staffing Group & Jennifer Mick, Legence Bank

Ambassadors regularly contact new and current members to help grow the connection between the member and their Chamber. This is through encouraging members to attend various Chamber networking/events, discovering ways the Chamber can fulfill member needs, encouraging Committee service and Member-to-Member Programs, and showing new members other ways to get involved and get the most of out their Chamber membership.

Meet Our Ambassadors

GROUPS FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABILITY & GROWTH

Annual Banquet and Awards Committee

Committee Chairs: Deborah Hogg, Director Emeritus & Jared Garrison, The Pavilion

 The Marion Chamber of Commerce hosts a banquet and awards program in January to celebrates the previous year. This event also marks the transition of the Board of Directors and leadership for the upcoming year. The event includes a silent auction, dinner, entertainment, speakers, and awards. The Committee is responsible for coordinating the choosing of members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce for Distinguished Business, Distinguished Chamber Member, Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Mayor’s Service and other awards, which are awarded at the Annual Dinner. Award Nominations are available all year long on the event website. The Committee meets as needed from August – February.

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Golf Scramble Committee

The annual golf scramble in September is a fundraiser for the Chamber. The Committee is responsible for organizing the event, securing sponsorships, securing entertainment, and promoting team registrations. The Committee meets as needed from June-October.

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Sister City Committee

Committee Chair: Jared Garrison, The Pavilion

The Committee  works to celebrate the Sister City relationship between Marion and Kanie Town Japan, established in 2010. The committee works on the alternating visits between the two communities and student/host family experiences. The committee begins to meet 6 months prior to an upcoming visit or trip.

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Nominations Committee

Committee Chair: The Board Executive Secretary

This Committee functions to develop the Board of Directors through an election process outlined by the Chamber By-Laws. This includes a minimum of one candidate for each vacancy to be voted on for members of the Board of Directors. Voting members (shown on the membership directory) are invited to nominate themselves or be nominated by a member of the committee. Voting members take part in the online election. 

The Committee is made up of many former members of the executive committee, other Board members, and committee-active Chamber voting members. Those running for office are not allowed to serve on the Committee. The Committee meets as needed from September-December.

Meet Our Board & Leadership

Finance Committee

Committee Chair: Board Treasurer

The Finance Committee reviews the financial statements, oversees the development of an annual budget and makes other financial recommendations to the board. The Finance Committee meets as needed. The Finance Committee will have two subcommittees: Audit and Budget. 

Remuneration Committee

Committee Chair: Board 2nd Vice Chair

The Committee is responsible for the review of the remuneration of the Chamber’s staff. Additional responsibilities include editing the Employee Manual, review of Staff Benefits, and IRA for the coming year. The Committee meets quarterly.

GROUPS FOCUSING ON TALENT & EDUCATION

APOGEE

This professional development program brings businesses together with innovative and entertaining speakers. This event is designed to mentor and expand the roles of leaders in our community. The group meets monthly from February – November.

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Grad Spree Committee

Committee Chairs: Jennifer McCaun, Banterra Bank & Jordan Cockrum, Banterra Bank

The Committee is responsible for all planning, fund-raising and coordination of activities for the drug/alcohol free graduation celebration for the Marion High School seniors. The Grad Spree event takes place on the night of Marion High School Graduation. The Committee meets as needed from January-June.

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Scholarship Committee

Committee Chairs: Megan Orange, Priority Staffing & Whitney Stringer, First Southern Bank

The Committee is responsible for awarding the Grad Spree Scholarship, the John A. Logan One Year Tuition Waiver, and Trade/Apprenticeship Scholarship based on the amount of money generated by the fundraising efforts from the previous year. The committee has a set of guidelines for each scholarship. The Scholarship funds are provided by the Chamber Foundation.  The Committee meets as needed September – May.

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