December Chamber Chatter

     Hometown Christmas was a great success, with about 130 children stopping by to visit with Santa Claus at the courthouse. The annual event, sponsored by the Brownstown Chamber of Commerce, was held Friday, Dec. 5, and featured photos with Santa, free wagon rides, refreshments and local vendors selling Christmas gift items. Several local merchants participated by staying open late and offering door prizes, specials and refreshments that day. The photographs can be picked up at the chamber office during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
      The Board of Directors met for their regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13, and discussed this event and how it fits into the chamber’s focus of promoting local businesses. The board agreed that projects such as Hometown Christmas and the legislative breakfast are an asset to the community, but decided to discontinue spending funds for decorations.
      As a not-for-profit organization, the chamber relies on membership dues and fundraisers like the golf scramble and annual dinner to continue its service to the business owners. At this time, the chamber does not bring in enough revenue to cover expenses; therefore, the board agreed to cut out any spending that does not directly benefit the membership.
      The board discussed ways to boost membership and support for the chamber, agreeing to compile a list of benefits to be included in membership packets such as: that the chamber fills two seats on the JCIDC, supports the Brownstown Economic Development Assoc. and the Brownstown Development Committee, provides advertising for local businesses through ribbon-cutting ceremonies and articles in the newspapers and website, answers calls and information requests and provides free links on the chamber website, a newsletter for members, business workshops and networking opportunities. The board voted to invite those communities without a chamber of commerce to join ours, so we can help promote their businesses. Anyone wishing to become a part of the chamber family should call the office at 358-2930. Dues for the remainder of the 2008-09 year are only $65.
      Trina Hanner reported that quarterly power hours with Ivy Tech will be held at noon on Feb. 11, May 13, Aug. 12 and Nov. 11 at Pewter Hall. The topics discussed will be enhanced communication skills, implementing change, building customer loyalty and communicating across generations. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.
      Financial T.I.P.S. will be hosting a free power hour in January at Pewter Hall. The topic will be tax related and Financial Tips is buying lunch for chamber members who attend. Lunch for non-members is $5. Anyone planning to attend should RSVP by calling the chamber office at 358-2930 or e-mailing to secretary@brownstownchamber.org.
      The next chamber board meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at the chamber office, 119 W. Walnut St. To view the newsletter, meeting minutes or chamber member list, visit the website: www.brownstownchamber.org.

November Chamber Chatter

     The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors welcomed new board member, Dr. Bob Gillespie, at the Thursday, Nov. 13, meeting. Dr. Gillespie will be filling the position vacated by Patricia Robertson and will chair the annual dinner committee.

Chamber members are needed to serve on the committees which include educational events and materials, recruitment, legislative breakfast, annual dinner, Melonfest float, golf outing and Hometown Christmas. These events and activities are crucial for the chamber to achieve its goal of promoting business and making Brownstown a better place to live. Anyone affiliated with a chamber member who is interested in serving on a committee should call the chamber office.

     President Doug Hanner agreed to serve on the Brownstown Development steering committee which will be working with Ball State’s Building Better Communities representatives to create a structured plan for our community’s future. A chamber board member attends the regular committee meetings to represent the business community, so any comments or concerns should be directed to the chamber office.

     The board reviewed and updated the 2008-09 budget. It was agreed to expand the office hours by eight hours a week, so the chamber office is now open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday with varied hours on Thursday.

     The Hometown Christmas celebration will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the courthouse. Santa will be escorted into town by the Brownstown Volunteer Fire Dept. and will be inside to visit with the children. There will be free cookies and hot chocolate, vendors offering Christmas items and beautiful music presented by local performers. Some businesses will be staying open that evening to participate in the festivities.

     The chamber is sponsoring a contest for outside Christmas decorations of homes located within a one and a half mile radius of the Jackson County courthouse. One winner and two honorable mentions will be selected. The winning home will be featured in the Jackson County Banner and the owner will receive a gift basket of goodies. If you are interested in participating, call the chamber office at 358-2930 and leave your name and address. Judging will take place on Dec. 12 with announcement of the winners in the Dec. 15 Banner.

     The next chamber board meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the chamber office, 119 W. Walnut St.

October Chamber Chatter

       The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting on October 9 at the chamber office located at 119 W. Walnut St. with eight directors present: President Doug Hanner, Trina Hanner, Jeri Burbrink, Susie Glasgow, Debbie Hackman and Jeff Morning.

       The board agreed to transfer the chamber website to a local host provider. Paul Borden and Tom Hayes have recently created a hosting company which is located at 405 N. Main St., Unit D. The chamber website, www.brownstownchamber.org, features a listing of chamber members, news about the chamber and Brownstown, activities and local events, available commercial real estate and links to chamber member websites.

       Trina Hanner, head of the educational events and materials committee, reported that board members learned a great deal of information from Bud Walther of the Jackson County Community Foundation and Linda McCormick of the Brownstown Development Committee at the Oct. 1 Power Hour at Pewter Hall. No business owners or residents attended the lunch meeting. There will be another chance for chamber members to meet together at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Pewter Hall. Lunch is $5, but the information and networking are free. Come out and meet the board members and learn what the chamber can do for your business.

      Blake Hackman reported that Hometown Christmas will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the courthouse in Brownstown. The committee is planning the annual event which features Santa Claus, hot chocolate and cider, carriage rides, carolers and lighting of the Christmas tree. Businesses or individuals who wish to participate in the celebration should call the chamber office at 358-2930.

      The next chamber meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov.13, at the chamber office. The meetings are open to the public.