Benton-West City Area Chamber of Commerce members welcomed two new entities during Thursday morning's monthly meeting.
Carol Sluzevich, president of Mentors 4 Kids, accepted a plaque in recognition of the organization's affiliation with the Chamber of Commerce.
Jim Cooper accepted a plaque in recognition of his business, New Horizons, joining the community association. Cooper and his wife, Joyce, operate the Internet-based business.
Cooper said Internet is provided via satellite. Two trucks are currently operating throughout the region, he said, with additional trucks being added within the next six to eight months.
Sluzevich, who also serves as a mentor for the program, said she has been involved since its inception.
"Mentors 4 Kids started to fill a need after Big Brothers Big Sisters closed," she said. "We ask for a one-year commitment from our volunteers. If you can give up a two-hour television show, you can do this."
She extended appreciation to Chamber of Commerce members John D. and Mary Ellen Aiken for their support of the program. She said the Aikens are donating a portion of a commercial building located at 610 N. McLeansboro St. in Benton for one year.
Sluzevich extended an invitation to the Mentors 4 Kids ribbon-cutting and open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in the new facility. The public is invited to attend.
"Our mission is to provide caring, volunteer adult mentors to children who want and need a role model in their life," she said.
Benton, Ill. —
