“LOVE OUR COMMUNITY” THEMED ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
The Centralia Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to celebrate business in the Greater Centralia Area at the “Love Our Community” Annual Chamber Banquet, held Thursday, Feb. 13 at Kaskaskia College’s Lifelong Learning Center.
With the theme of the banquet, the Centralia Chamber of Commerce will share their vision of inspiring community within the Greater Centralia Area.
“We are defining our community by looking at what brings us together – what connects us – which is why Kaskaskia College was chosen as a location for this celebration,” said Holland. “We also want to highlight the reasons why our community is great, which is why we started the ‘inspire community’ campaign this year.”
The event will open with Ted Macon as the keynote speaker.
“To build on the theme of loving our community, we wanted to ask someone to speak who is not only connected to the chamber of commerce, but also serves the community as an inspiring leader. We are happy that we found the best person for this event!” said Holland.
Lifelong Caryle resident, Macon is a leader in the community, serving on several boards for Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School Foundation, Community Link in Breese, Illinois Bankers Association, Kaskaskia College Foundation, and serves as Pastor of Holy Garden of Prayer Church in Carlyle. Most recently, Macon has been appointed to serve as the next President and CEO of Farmers State Bank of Hoffman upon the retirement of the bank’s current president Phil Palm later this year.
The list of award recipients includes businesses in Centralia, Central City, Hoffman, Hoyleton, Odin, Patoka, and Sandoval.
“Our ‘Partners in Progress’ award is reserved for businesses who have made ongoing significant investment and impact in our greater community,” said Marcus Holland, executive director.
The 2025 recipients are The Reuters, owners of Westside Laundry; The Fleemans, owners of the Body Shoppe and The Commonwealth; Kretzer’s Grill & Bar; Macz Funeral Homes; and Intermountain Electronics.
Additional individuals and organizations will be recognized at the annual chamber banquet, including 2024 board president Rachel Wallace, and retiring board members Linda Dabney, Damon Harbison, and Wendy Jourdan. Plus, the Centralia Area Historical Society will be celebrated for reaching their 25th anniversary milestone.
Sponsors of the event include Kaskaskia College, Bradford National Bank, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Scooter’s Coffee, and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital.
“We appreciate our sponsors, community partners, and chamber member businesses who have helped make this event possible every year,” said Holland. “Every aspect of this event highlights services from chamber members: décor rented from Kelly’s for the Occasion, catering by Cygan & Delaney, bartending by Crooked Creek Winery, awards ordered from Winning Edge and Rapid Engraving, and prizes donated by dozens of area businesses.”
The evening will conclude with the famous Balloon Pop! Prize Giveaway, where attendees may purchase a balloon for $20 – guaranteed to win a prize worth $20 or greater!
Those who wish to attend this event may RSVP by visiting www.centraliachamber.com or by contacting the Chamber office.
