Melise Oakley Honored with 2024 Marion Chamber of Commerce's Distinguished Member Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Melise Oakley Honored with 2024 Marion Chamber of
Commerce's Distinguished Member Award
Marion, IL – January 17, 2025 –
Melise Oakley has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Marion Chamber of
Commerce's Distinguished Member Award at the 104th Annual Banquet and Award
Ceremony held on Friday, January 17th, 2025. This accolade recognizes her
outstanding contributions to the community and her commitment to excellence in
service.
Born and raised in Marion, Illinois, Melise Oakley has a
long history of community involvement and professional achievements. She
graduated from Marion High School, where she made history as the first female
swimmer to qualify for State, achieving this honor all four years. She
continued her education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale on a
swimming scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
For the past 18 years, Melise has been the proud owner of
Melise's Boutique, supporting various community projects in Southern Illinois
by donating goods and services. Her boutique has dressed countless individuals
for formal events in the area, showcasing her dedication to the community.
In addition to her business endeavors, Melise has worked as
the Community Education Coordinator at Hospice of Southern Illinois for five
years. She is passionate about educating the community regarding hospice care
and raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease. Her role involves speaking
engagements, meeting with families, networking, and collaborating with
healthcare professionals to build relationships and help the community feel
more comfortable with the end-of-life process.
Melise is also known for her work with therapy dogs, Millie
and Blue, who provide comfort and companionship to patients and their families
through Hospice of Southern Illinois. Her commitment to community service
extends to numerous organizations, including Heartland Rotary, Southern
Illinois Pioneer Coalition, and the Marion Chamber of Commerce, among others.
The 104th Annual Banquet and Award Ceremony, hosted by the
Marion Chamber of Commerce, is a significant event that celebrates the
achievements of local businesses and individuals. The evening includes a social
hour, dinner, and an awards ceremony where various honors are presented,
including the Citizen of the Year, Distinguished Member, Distinguished
Business, Young Professional Leadership, Lifetime Achievement, and Awards of
Excellence
Past Winners of the Distinguished Member Award:
