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Chamber Insights - July 2014

In progress. Stories will be added to this master newsletter after individual articles selected and highlighted on CM Main Page or as processed

The monthly newsletter of the Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce, 200 Burkesville Street, Columbia, KY 42718. Phone 270-384-6020 / coladair@ duo-county.com.

Editor: Sue Stivers
President: Brandon Thompson
The Purpose of the Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce is to promote and enhance the Business, Cultural, Educational and Civic Well Being of Columbia and Adair County.

Thought of the month: Make today count.



PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Invest In Adair County: Buy Local

By J. Brandon Thompson

Have you ever noticed how pride is one of those tricky emotions that can go either way? I mean, sadness is exclusively bad and happiness is always a welcomed feeling. But pride is either the emotion that precedes your demise or it's that feeling that makes your chest swell, your eyes well up with tears, and that lump to form in your throat.


The negative version causes you to post one too many selfies on social media (hint: one was too many), but the positive version makes you proud of your children, your favorite sports team, your community, your country, etc.

That good pride (it sounds like an oxymoron, but I promise it's a real thing) is the source of what has been one of our commonwealth's most successful marketing strategies of late. The Kentucky Proud program has been wildly beneficial to homegrown businesses and products.

Udderly Kentucky has products partially produced in Adair County

In fact, the newest iteration of the strategy is the Udderly Kentucky milk program which is partially produced here in Adair County. Sure you pay a little more, but I take pride in knowing my extra dollar for my gallon of milk may go to a family farm here in my hometown. And, that dollar will get spent and re-spent many times over in our local economy, which produces local jobs, which feed local families.

Just the other day in fact, while picking up my gallon of Udderly Kentucky milk, another emotion creeped in...guilt. Suddenly I realized that there are so many products and services that I can and should buy locally, but I sometimes forget because it's convenient to pick things up at one place. I'm sure I'm the only one that does that, right?

Why not buy more food locally? Use more local stores and services?

Instead of picking up produce at the chain store, why not buy it at the farmer's market? You can shop for your insurance at a local agency rather than online. Buy your medications at a locally owned pharmacy. Use local lawyers and accountants. Visit local doctors and dentists. Dine at local restaurants and shop with local retailers. Don't go out of town to buy big ticket items if you can purchase them here in Adair County. Why give your hard earned money to someone you've never met and doesn't appreciate your business the way someone who knows you can and will?

Invest in people you know, create jobs locally

Every time you purchase a product at a locally owned and operated business, you are investing in people you know. You are creating jobs and putting food on local dinner tables. And that's something that ought to make you feel really good about yourself (maybe even a little proud).

- J. Brandon Thompson, President


History of Forming a Chamber in Columbia


By Sue Stivers

How much do you know about your local Chamber of Commerce? Did you know that a group of business leaders got together and decided there should be a Chamber of Commerce in Columbia?

The year was 1942 and it was named the "Columbia Chamber of Commerce". It was one of the first cities in South Central Kentucky to have a Chamber. This shows that Columbia had people with Leadership and Vision. It's a shame there are no records in the Chamber office that gives the names of the original board members. I do know that William "Bill" Walker was an active member during some of those years and continued to be actively involved in the Chamber until his death.
On the 20th day of August 1957 George Akin, John Horton, Lynn Jeffries, Alvin Lewis and Ruth Richardson met with Attorney Earl Huddleston where the Articles of Incorporations were signed changing the name to Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce. Thelma Stovall was the Secretary of State at that time.

Following Secretary Stovall was Secretary of State John Y. Brown III who presented a "Certificate of Existence" to the Chamber that said:
Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation duly organized and existing under KRS Chapter 273, whose date of incorporation is August 30, 1957 and whose period of duration is perpetual.
I further certify that all fees and penalties owed to the Secretary of State have been paid; that articles of dissolution have not been filed; and that the most recent annual report required by KRS 273.3671 has been delivered to the Secretary of State.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand affixed my Official Seal at Frankfort, Kentucky, this 4th day of August, 1998. Signed, John Y. Brown III.
> Watch for the August Chamber newsletter...hopefully we will have more information on the Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate a total of 57 years of having a Chamber as of August 20th.

If any of our readers have additional information about the Chamber please call the Chamber office at 270-384-6020 or better yet stop by the office at 201 Burkesville Street, have a cup of coffee and chat with Executive Director Sue Stivers about the Chamber. SUE STIVERS, Executive Director, Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce

Thank You Corporate Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors are extremely important to the Chamber of Commerce. They provide income, door prizes for monthly meetings and have the opportunity to speak and promote their business.

The Chamber is grateful to each monthly sponsor. Two sponsors who have not been recognized are: A.C.T.I.O.N. Generation and WAIN Radio.

A.C.T.I.O.N. Generation was the Corporate Sponsor for the Month of June. Representative was Ellen Zornes. Guest speaker Adair County Judge Ex. Ann Melton.

WAIN Radio was the Corporate Sponsor for the July meeting. Representative was Sherri McIver. Guest speaker Julie Schmidt, Senior Director - External affairs of Kentucky Educational Television (KET).

Any business that would like to promote their business by becoming a Corporate Sponsor may call the Chamber office at 270-384-6020.

Sue Stivers Commentary: Thoughts are the Seeds Of Reality

By Sue C. Stivers

I tell youth that what they think about is what they will become. I really believed it and still do.

I believe the same thing about our Community and County. If we tell ourselves we are second rate, or we can't do or have so and so, we are. If we collectively believe we have the world by the tail, we do. If you believe everything you read or hear on the street that is negative about Columbia and Adair County, we're doomed.
Let's look at a few good things that are happening in our City and County. It is a fact that our population is growing...people are moving here from neighboring counties and other states. Almost every week we have people coming to the Chamber office or calling on the phone inquiring about our county and gathering information because of their interest to relocate here.

The increased interest in the Agriculture industry with the expansion of the Farmers Market at the County Extension Office and Farmers Market on the Square each Saturday is really an asset to our Community. The Chamber of Commerce congratulates you on being chosen in the top 48 markets in Kentucky. This is a great honor bestowed upon our Community.

The expanded vision of the many clubs and organizations within the County is bringing in many new projects and activities that will benefit all people. Churches of all denominations have something for every person, including children and youth.

Lindsey Wilson College continues to grow and offers numerous educational opportunities not only for students but for our community. The Wares Fair which the Chamber of Commerce started 8 years ago gives businesses an opportunity to let the students, new faculty and employees know what Columbia/Adair County has to offer. We want students and employees to spend their money in Columbia...not outside the County.

The Trail Town project which is being worked on at this time will truly be an asset to our City and County. Excitement continues to grow with the new Bowling Alley and Fun Center that will be opening soon on Campbellsville Road. Our thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Barney Burns for choosing to locate the business in Adair County.

Due to space, I have only listed a few examples...the list goes on and on...about what makes Columbia and Adair County a great place to live, work and play.

I encourage you to sit down...take a pencil and paper...Make a list of all the "positive" things about Columbia and Adair County. Why do you live here? What do you like about this County? Ask your family members and neighbors why they like living here.

After you have completed the above list, begin a new list . . . What additions would you like to see us have? Share your list with me by bringing or mailing it to the Chamber of Commerce Office located at 201 Burkesville Street, Columbia, KY. If you prefer, you may email me at: cactourism@duo-county.com I hope this article will encourage you to "Think Positive" about our City and County. Let's work together to make this the best place to live in Kentucky. - Sue C. Stivers, Executive Director


This story was posted on 2014-07-30 03:14:34
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