The Centralia Chamber of Commerce celebrated 100 years at its annual banquet Thursday night looking to the past and present and then forward into the future.
Several special honors were also presented including the Legacy Award to Kaskaskia College. Executive Director Marcus Holland says there have been too many accomplishments to list them all.
“While our campus is undergoing renovations and we are excitedly anticipating the mobile industrial training education trailer, KC has been innovative and proactive in connecting businesses with workforce solutions and students with real jobs in our community.”
The award was first accepted by Board of Trustee President Bill Hawley who thanked the early visionaries and shared the award with the entire KC family.
“October 16, 1965, when the New Community College Act was passed, leaders in Centralia were at the forefront to make sure Kaskaskia College was the first community college awarded in that drive. And we thank all those people from the bottom of our hearts.”
College President George Evans cited two reasons for the college’s ongoing success.
“The Board of Trustees at KC are not political, they make decisions 100% on what is best for this area. The 2nd reason is the staff and employees at that institution.”
To show its ongoing impact in the community, Evans asked all former students, those who have sent their children to KC as well as past employees to all stand which included a large majority of those in attendance.
The chamber presented a Partners in Progress Award to the City of Centralia. Holland credited the city leadership for starting to change the culture away from negativity.
“These are people that give more than what they are paid. They will answer calls and show up when there are big events and are giving because they care about this community. And I see it in the work they provide. So it’s a pleasure to recognize the current leadership and administration for the City of Centralia as a True Partner in Progress.”
The city of Centralia accepts the Partners in Progress award. Left to right: Councilman Izzy Fontanez, City Manager Kory Smith, Councilwoman Barri Allen, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland, and Councilman Rob Jackson.
The award was accepted by City Manager Kory Smith and the city council.
The chamber honored Tate’s Truck and Toter Service on its 25th anniversary and the east side McDonald’s on its 50th anniversary.
Tate’s Truck and Toter Service was honored on its 25th Anniversary.
East side McDonald’s is honored on its 50th year in business.
State Representative Blaine Wilhour then honored the chamber in its 100th year.
“When I heard that it was the 100th anniversary I thought that’s a pretty big deal and we needed to do something. The least I could do is get the General Assembly to unanimously approve a resolution that is recognizing and honoring you guys on your 100th anniversary and here is to 100 more, you guys do such a great job.”
Centralia Chamber Board accepts Illinois House Resolution on 100th Anniversary. Left to right: Kelly Tinsley, Director, Marion County Housing Authority; Cathy O’ Neal-Windham, Director, NAACP| Centralia Youth Center; Seth Baltzell, Director, City Hope Church; Makalia Atkins, Secretary/Treasurer, Land of Lincoln Credit Union; George Evans (Back), Director, Kaskaskia College; State Representative Blaine Wilhour; Rachel Wallace, President, Best Western Plus; Marcus Holland; Ryan Rich, 2nd Vice President, Wham & Wham Lawyers.
The chamber’s new 2024 President Rachel Wallace honored outgoing president and board member Emily Haake, along with other retiring board members Travis Etheridge and Monica French.
Outgoing Chamber President and Board members are honored. Left to right are outing board members Travis Etheridge and Monica French, outgoing President and board member Emily Haake, and 2024 Chamber President Rachel Wallace.
The banquet held at the Centralia American Legion was sold out. The Centralia Chamber currently has 350 members.
