Annual Chamber News – From the President’s Desk
By Erica Bates, 2019 Chamber President
Greetings Fellow Chilton Chamber members:
I’m back! The decision to step in to fulfill the duties of Chamber President for a second year did NOT come with much hesitation. I have learned a lot in the last year as president and I look forward to more learning and more leadership in 2019…and have fun while doing it! Since being involved with the Chamber, I can really attest to all the countless hours the members volunteer to keep the events successful each year. My goal for 2019 is growth. I would like to focus on new members and getting the existing members more involved. It will make this small community BIG!
So just what events and activities is your Chamber involved with? Here is a brief outline:
–Ambassadors Club is a way that we recognize new businesses and existing businesses that have made substantial positive improvements to their business.
–Summer Festival and Father’s Day Parade is held every summer and brings thousands of people to the streets of Chilton for a week-end of family fun!
–Christmas Parade of Lights is held annual and is a great way to kick off the Holiday Season.
–Crafty Apple Fest is the largest and best organized craft fair in the area bringing in over 100 vendors and thou-sands of shoppers to the streets of Chilton.
–CHS Scholarship Evening – Every year since 1961 local Chilton Businesses have presented Scholarships to Chilton High School’s best and bright-est Seniors.
–Retail Promotions – The Chamber promotes multiple retail events each year including Summer Crazy Daze and our “Christmas on Us” promotion. Each promotion is designed to encourage customers to “Shop Locally” while offering specific benefits for doing so.
–Distinguished Citizen of the Year – Each year since 1949 the Chilton Chamber of Commerce has recognized and honored a Chilton resident for their service and devotion to our community.
–Chamber of Commerce Community Directory is a hard copy comprehensive listing and summary of local businesses, Civic Groups, Schools, and Churches. It offers a great tool to allow people to become familiar with our wonderful city. This is a great compliment to the Website to inform people who we are and what have to offer as a community.
As you can see, the list of Chamber activities is quite diverse but still focused in promoting our community in one way or another. If you have not done so in the past, I would encourage you to learn more about the Chamber of Commerce by visiting our website. Better yet, consider joining us for one of our monthly meetings. The monthly Chamber Meetings are held the first Wednesday of most months and are open to ALL members. Dates, times and locations are posted on the website and can be found in the newsletter.
Some may ask what specific benefits they receive from having their Chamber membership. Some of these are made obvious from the list above, but in my opinion, you will get the greatest benefits by becoming involved in the meetings and events. It’s a great way to network with your fellow members. I am hoping to create more networking events this year which will give you the opportunity to meet your fellow business owners in the community.
Once again, I thank you for this opportunity to serve as your 2019 Chamber President. I wish you, your family and your business a Healthy & Prosperous New Year!!