News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marion Chamber of Commerce Honors Glenn Clarida with Lifetime Achievement Award

Marion, IL – January 8, 2025 – The Marion Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Glenn Clarida has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes Glenn's outstanding contributions to the community and his unwavering commitment to fostering growth and development in Marion.

Glenn Clarida was born in Galatia, Illinois, in 1938 and graduated from the University of Illinois in January 1960 with a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering. That same year, he married Rina Fiori, and together they share three children and four grandchildren after 64 years of marriage.

In 1965, Glenn founded Clarida Engineering when he became the consulting engineer for the City of Marion. Since then, he has worked closely with city officials, providing engineering services for numerous significant projects, including:

• Pepsi MidAmerica

• Aisin

• Rent One Park/Mt. Dew Park

• Illinois Centre Mall

• Menards

• Morgan Avenue Interstate Interchange

  In 2012, Glenn was awarded the Mayor's Service Award by Mayor Butler for his years of service to the city. In 2019, he retired from his engineering business and officially became the City's Economic Development Director. Since then, Glenn has played a crucial role in bringing new businesses and industries to Marion, including:

• FedEx Distribution Center

• Readerlink

• Expansion at Aisin

• Several new restaurants

  Glenn continues to work with the Public Works team, regularly meets with developers and site selectors, and remains dedicated to fostering economic growth in Marion.

  Recognition

  The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Marion Chamber of Commerce is a testament to Glenn Clarida's dedication to helping make Marion the prosperous and thriving community that it’s become today. This honor reflects the hard work and commitment that he has dedicated so many years to pursuing. If you would like to join us in celebrating Glenn’s achievements and receiving of this award, please RSVP to the Marion Chamber of Commerce to get your tickets to our 104^th Annual Banquet and Award Ceremony that will be held at the Pavilion in Marion, IL on January 17^th from 5:30p – 9:00p. Glenn and many others will be honored that evening. 

  Reserve your tickets here!

  Contact Information

  For more information about Glenn Clarida and his contributions to the community or about reserving tickets to the Marion Chamber of Commerce 104^th Annual Banquet & Award Ceremony, please contact:

  Marion Chamber of Commerce

  2305 W Main St

  Marion, IL 62959

  618-997-6311

  Email: programs@marionillinois.com
  Website: www.marionillinois.com