Marion, IL Chamber of Commerce

06/19/2026

Happy Retirement Michael! What a career and an inspiration to future architects for years to come.

"It is with a mixture of gratitude and excitement that I share an important announcement regarding the future of Baysinger Architects.

After many years of dedicated service to our clients and the growth of Baysinger Architects, Michael Baysinger has decided to retire.

Throughout his career, Michael has grown and developed Baysinger Architects into a successful firm committed to quality work and strong client relationships. He has helped establish our firm as one of the leading architecture practices in the region. We sincerely appreciate his work over the years and wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter.

As Michael leaves the firm and begins his retirement, I am honored and excited that he has trusted me to carry the torch as the new Owner of Baysinger Architects.

I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization into its next chapter. Baysinger Architects has earned a reputation for outstanding service, innovative design, and lasting client partnerships. I am committed to building upon that success while pursuing new opportunities for growth and advancement.

The future of our firm is bright. With a talented team, strong client relationships, and a solid foundation, we are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Please join me in thanking Michael for his years of service and wishing him a happy and well-deserved retirement. We wish him continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Thank you for your continued trust, support, and partnership. I am excited about what the future holds for Baysinger Architects and look forward to continuing our success together.

Sincerely,

Jake McCann
President, Architect"

Happy Retirement, Michael!🎉 Time to clock in, Jake!

06/11/2026

How exciting is this new addition to our area? Today we celebrated the grand opening of SIH's new Mobile Work Care Unit. It marks a huge step forward for local businesses and employees to have better access to healthcare in a timelier and more convenient manner. This is an extraordinary addition to the healthcare structure that SIH has developed in Southern Illinois. Congratulations, Southern Illinois Healthcare.

06/10/2026

Good morning Marion residents. There is a new scam going around I want you to be aware of. Someone, or several someone’s, are claiming to be an insurance company working with the City of Marion to provide life insurance for all residents. This is not real. If you get this type of message or email, delete it, DO NOT RESPOND.
Thank you….Chief Fitts

06/09/2026

What an informative luncheon we had today at The Little Nashville Cafe. Our special guest was Ashlee Spiller from Visitsi and she brought her friends from Raising Cane's and Comfort Inn, Marion Illinois to let us know what to expect with the rising sports tourism in the area and how we can respond and react to the influx of people that will be flowing into town. We learned that Visitsi is a huge resource for everyone to utilize especially if you are an organization having an event. Letting tourist know what is going on while they are visiting. We want to thank The Little Nashville Cafe for hosting and providing the food and to Active Day of Marion for being our lunch sponsor. What a wonderful day it has been!

05/29/2026

Well, the rain held out and we were able to have another exciting ribbon cutting. This one featured the Marion Elks #800 and their new pavilion out at Lake of Egypt. It features new bathrooms, concession stand and playground. Open to events and tons of fun. Thanks to the Marion Elks for allowing us to be apart of this momentous occasion in their journey.

Don't forget they are having a fish fry dinner and live music tonight!

05/28/2026

Congratulations to the Building Trades class on their latest home project!

05/22/2026

We’re excited to share highlights from the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of Hope and Harmony Wellness Group in Carbondale on May 21!
This milestone represents a powerful partnership between Dr. Christian Gillespie, Founder & CEO of Hope and Harmony Wellness Group, and Monique Spears, Founder & CEO of Emerged Beauty, who came together to create a welcoming, holistic space designed to meet the growing mental health and wellness needs of our community.
The evening brought together community leaders, chamber representatives, and supporters from across Southern Illinois in celebration of this important new resource.
🎤 Featured speakers included:
• Nathan Columbo, City of Carbondale
• Dylan Chambers, Incoming Chair – Carbondale Chamber of Commerce
• Harriet Meize, Executive Director – Carterville Chamber
• Matt Carnaghi, Board Chair – Marion Chamber
Their remarks highlighted the strength of collaboration and the importance of investing in services that support the wellbeing of our region.
👉 Watch the full ribbon cutting here: https://youtu.be/qM2rhNO6v1M
We’re proud to celebrate this exciting addition to the community—congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life!

05/22/2026

🎉✂️ Ribbon Cutting Celebration – Hope & Harmony Wellness ✂️🎉
We’re excited to share highlights from the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of Hope and Harmony Wellness Group in Carbondale on May 21!
This special evening brought together community leaders, chamber representatives, and supporters from across Southern Illinois to celebrate a new resource dedicated to mental health and wellness.
🎤 Featured speakers included:
• Nathan Columbo, City of Carbondale
• Dylan Chambers, Incoming Chair – Carbondale Chamber of Commerce
• Harriet Meize, Executive Director – Carterville Chamber
• Matt Carnaghi, Board Chair – Marion Chamber
Their remarks highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in wellness services for our region.
👉 Watch the full ribbon cutting here: https://youtu.be/qM2rhNO6v1M
We’re proud to support growth, connection, and wellbeing in our communities—congratulations to Hope & Harmony Wellness on this exciting milestone!

05/21/2026

What are you doing tomorrow? Help us continue to be the best chamber in the area by meeting our goal of 34 pints. Reserve your spot now at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=62959 at Veterans Airport or Deaconess Illinois Medical Center for tomorrow.

FOX23, American Red Cross of Illinois. The City of Marion Illinois, Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois - MWA

Find out more about this program and more at:
https://www.kbsi23.com/community/fox-23-american-red-host-battle-of-the-chambers-blood-drive/