About the Chamber
YOUR CHAMBER
We are a group of people dedicated to making this community a great place to live and do business. Our members come from many different backgrounds such as:
- business
- government
- non-profit organizations
- individual members who are just interested in the community
“Our mission is to welcome, unite, and promote business.”
Our Vision is to make O’Fallon-Shiloh the premier business destination of Southwestern Illinois.
Members enjoy many opportunities to get to know each other and to be “in the know.”
Monthly and annual events offer recognition, networking and just plain fun.
Our member-elected Board of Directors charts the vision for the year’s programs. Chamber staff, various committees and volunteers then bring that vision to life with valuable programs and events.
We would love to have you join us!
O’Fallon and the Village of Shiloh are known as two of the fastest growing communities in the metropolitan St. Louis area yet both maintain their small-town appeal. We are a diverse, charming community of hardworking residents and one of the most popular home choices for military members from nearby SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE.
OUR HISTORY
The O’Fallon Chamber was organized on April 4, 1946. The first officers of the organization were:
President – L.R. Cartier
Vice President – George N. Schwarz
Secretary – George M. Thomas
Treasurer – Felicia Streck
By-Laws for the organization were approved and adopted at the meeting of May 27, 1946. The original membership was 44 members.
On June 4, 1946 a charter was applied for under the general Not-For-Profit Corporation Act of Illinois. The purposes for which the corporation was organized were stated as follows:
- To advance the civic, commercial, industrial business, and commence interests of the City of O’Fallon and its vicinity.
- To educate, and disseminate information to persons interested in the civic, commercial, industrial, and business advancement of the City of O’Fallon and its environment.
The Chamber of Commerce was preceded by several business men’s organizations such as: Business Men’s League, Commercial Club, Business Men’s Association, and the O’Fallon Civic Club.
We moved into our current location at 116 East 1st Street, in April 1999. On February 15, 2010, the O’Fallon and Shiloh Chambers of Commerce merged.
The Shiloh Chamber of Commerce began in 2003. It was organized to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Village of Shiloh so that its citizens and all areas of its business community could prosper. All necessary means of promotion were to be provided and particular attention and emphasis were given to economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests
of the area.
The Shiloh Chamber was preceded by the Shiloh Business/ Community Association.
Your Chamber Staff
Meet Debbie Arell-Martinez. She’s your President/CEO. You want to meet someone? Let Debbie CONNECT you!
Debbie is an 21 year O’Fallon resident. She and her husband Ed are both retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeants and have two daughters and three grandsons. Her hobbies include reading and bike riding.
Meet Johnnie Hodges. She’s your Membership Coordinator. There’s no one she doesn’t know!
Johnnie and her husband Curtis have lived in the area for 39 years. She has 4 children and 9 grandchildren! Johnnie likes to garden, walk, watch movies, and listen to music.
Meet Doris Obernuefemann. She’s your Operations Manager. Doris has been with the Chamber over 20 years – if she doesn’t know about it, it didn’t happen!
Doris and her husband Jerry are life-long O’Fallon residents. They have three married children and three granddaughters. Her hobbies include traveling, gardening, boating, tubing, and anything on the water.
Meet Jessica Lotz. She’s your Leadership & Development Coordinator. Jessica lives to learn new things – and to share that info!
Jessica has lived in O’Fallon for 27 years. She and her husband Craig have one son. Jessica loves to cruise – she’ll go to Alaska any time! She likes card games and sitting by the fire pit. Her favorite activity is watching her son play baseball.
Meet Jonathan Simmons. He’s responsible for Marketing & Communications.
Jonathan has lived in St. Clair County all his life. A recent graduate of SIUE, Jonathan has his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with a focus on Public Relations and Sociology. When he is not working or studying, you can catch him at a Cardinals game, the bowling alley, or hiking local trails.
Associations
MEET US IN THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT.
There’s always something happening in Downtown O’Fallon, Illinois. An amazing mix of local and national businesses are bringing retail, dining and entertainment to this historic area. You’re invited to meet us here and be a part of it all.