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A year end message from, Brenda Mann, Chamber president

Thank You, Columbia-Adair Chamber and the Community for allowing me to serve as your Chamber President
Chamber Insights December 2015 - President's Message

By Brenda Mann - President Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce

As we turn the calendar to an exciting new year, I leave the Chamber Board and presidency with sincere gratitude to the Chamber membership, Chamber Board of Directors, staff, and business and community leaders for the opportunity to serve. The past five years serving as a member of the Board of Directors, vice-president and president have been an enjoyable learning experience that has allowed me to gain much knowledge and has enriched my life with many wonderful friendships. Through the collaborative efforts of the Board of Directors, Chamber staff, membership and community support, I leave the presidency with satisfaction of the programs, activities and services achieved during my time on the Board.



The Chamber, a volunteer membership organization of individuals, professionals and businesses has certainly gained my respect as committed, talented, community-oriented, hardworking, generous members who give freely of their time, financial resources and talents in service to the Chamber, and the community. Thank you Chamber members for your membership and involvement in sustaining 70 years of service to Adair businesses, industry, and the community. My deepest appreciation is also extended for the hard work and volunteer hours that go into the many Chamber events and programs that contribute to businesses, as well as the quality of life and civic well-being of our community.

During my five years on the Chamber Board of Director, with the help and support of the Chamber Board, staff and the community, the Chamber has been able to continue the tried and true traditional activities while introducing some new events, programs and services. New initiatives include the first 2015 Business and Employee Job Fair, the Shop Local Promotion began in 2014 and continuing in 2015 with the addition of the Shop Local business door clings, Member input through Membership Needs Surveys, Chamber Facebook page added, The LWC Christmas Carnival, The 2015 Christmas Card Village, support of the Columbia-Adair County's Trail Town Certification, and several business and community training programs including Intro to Social Media, Intro to Social Media Marketing, Business Incentives and Employment Support Programs, and Wix Website Design training.

Some other important Chamber initiatives in progress is much needed maintenance to the Chamber building, an energy audit, and the exploration of fully utilizing the Chamber office space by sharing the facility with other governmental agencies and programs offering more member and community services and reducing cost by sharing operational upkeep and expenses. The Chamber Website is soon to have a new and improved look that better promotes Chamber businesses and Columbia-Adair County. Also, new Chamber membership incentives will be offered in 2016, and the Chamber will continue to work toward achieving Work Ready Community certification.

Some of the traditional longstanding Chamber events are the monthly informational lunch meetings and the "Chamber Insights" newsletter that helps keep you up-to-date on important issues and informed about other businesses, organizations and events within the community. Your Chamber also sponsors other programs, community events and networking opportunities such as the Golf Scramble, Chamber Community Picnic, Halloween Treats on the Town, Christmas Gathering, Christmas in Columbia, The Christmas Carnival, arts and crafts merchant booths, ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies, annual awards banquet, business fall wreath contest, Ronald McDonald House Drive, community and business informational brochures and maps, business recognitions, Christmas ornaments featuring community landmarks, Wares Fair introducing Lindsey Wilson students to community businesses, Chamber Informational and Business Directory on the Website and Facebook Page, member event meeting room, and operation of the Hwy 55 Community Park. In addition, the Columbia-Adair Chamber works with local government and community agencies to promote the County's growth and prosperity, supports partnership activities, advocates for legislation supporting businesses, promotes tourism, provides public service inquiries, and serves as the information center for Adair County, and the business community. Participation in Chamber events helps gain visibility and community recognition for your business and is an investment in the community.

We are certainly happy and appreciative of the trust you have put in the Chamber's work with your membership, 2015 ending with an increase in membership of 36 members over 2014. With additional membership the Chamber has gained diversity of knowledge, involvement and support.

An organization is just as successful as the commitment of its members and leaders. None of the events and achievements of the Chamber would be possible without member and community volunteers and support. It takes strong partnerships and collaborative efforts to address our community needs and achieve goals to improve the quality of life, work and prosperity of our county. I have been blessed to have worked with and had the support of talented, dedicated and true community servants of the community who donate countless hours planning and carrying out Chamber events and programs. Thank you to 2015 Board of Directors and officers Ellen Zornes, Vice-President, Lee Ann Collins, Secretary, Linda Fitzpatrick, Treasurer, and Board Members Bobby Bowe, Kim Dykes, Holly Grimsley, Jelaine Harlow, Kerry Humphress, Ann Martin, Roger Meadows, Dr. Ronald Rogers, Debbie Selby, Sherry Selby, Brandon Thompson, and Chris Wilson and Executive Director Sue Stivers and Administrative Assistant, Kathy Johnson. And, thank you Columbia-Adair County businesses, agencies, churches, schools, and individuals for the work you do every day in our community.

A big thanks to outgoing 2015 Board of Directors and officers, Lee Ann Collins, secretary, Kim Dykes, Board Member, Roger Meadows, Past President and Debbie Selby, Events Chair for their years of service and dedication to the Chamber and the community.

The strong partnerships and dedicated leaders necessary for the continued Chamber success has transitioned to very capable hands with the 2016 officers Ellen Zornes, President, Sherry Selby, Vice-President, Ann Martin, Secretary and Linda Fitzpatrick, Treasurer, new Boards of Directors members, Abe Cross, Linda Fitzpatrick, Rhonda Loy, Sue Mutter and Woody Sharpe, and continuing Board of Director members, Bobby Bowe, Holly Grimsley, Jelaine Harlow, Kerry Humphress, Dr. Ronald Rogers, Brandon Thompson, and Chris Wilson.

My friend and former long-time education colleague, Ellen Zornes is a perfect fit as Chamber President and will serve the Chamber and the community well. Ellen is synonymous with leading organizations and serving the community. With Ellen, and all the other excellent officers and board member leadership, Executive Director, Sue Stivers and Kathy Johnson, Administrative Assistant and the support from Chamber and community members ,the Chamber is posed to hit the ground running in 2016 with new energy, new ideas and expertise.

Ellen Zornes and I have been a great team during my time on the Board. Many of the activities would not have happened without her support and the support of the Board of Directors and community! Thank you!

The Chamber is a great group of volunteers that care about our community and it has been a blessed experience, and I leave my role as Chamber President with deep respect for those who have served and continue to serve to bring about the many programs, services, activities and opportunities that enhance the lives of our citizens, support and advocate for growth of current and new businesses and a better quality of life. I am sincerely grateful for each of your contributions on behalf of our Chamber members and the community.

Good luck to the new Chamber President, Ellen Zornes, other officers and the Board of Directors for a successful 2016 year.


This story was posted on 2015-12-21 15:55:56
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