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About the Chamber - Newsletters
July 2000
A message from the President...
My Message this month is brief - SLOW DOWN! Why are we racing around here like crazy fools? We live here because it is not the city rat race, but lately that does not seem to be the case.
In the last week, I have had three near misses or close calls on our roadways. Our speed limit on the island is 45 mph. Yet people race by me or tailgate like they are on the feeway. I, too get in a hurry sometimes because I'm running late or anxious to get home. Jack Piconni's accident has reminded me that it is important that we get there, not when! Please take time to get where you are going safely, calmly and enjoy living or visting on our Island.
Kathy Johnson
Chamber President
Successful Volunteer Program in full swing
The Chamber of Commerce, under guidance Debbie Tate, Chamber Director, has found a solution to a staffing problem that plagues all businesses each summer by "hiring" volunteers.
The program was started in late May, just shortly after the Chamber hired Tate to head the organization. Now, the five volunteers each put in several hours a week greeting visitors and answering questions. This non-paid staff also manages the phone and completes mailings and requests for information from prospective visitors across the country.
"Because of the time these volunteers are willing to give to the Chamber, the office is open Monday through Friday and half-days on Saturday," Tate says.
"Visitors will have a person to talk to in addition to gathering information from the brochure racks and callers will talk with a person, rather than a machine," Tate added.
The five volunteers are Noel Garrett, Dorothy Robinson, Mary Fraces McEfresh, Ursula Heiting and Ana Justin.
"These five woman are eager, energetic and love the fact that not only are they helping others to learn about our islands, but are also learning a lot themselves," Tate says.
The volunteer program enables the Chamber to provide an active Visitor Information Center and allows the Chamber to maximize its availability to public.
Leadership must start with us
Become active in your chamber. Join a committee. Donate your time. Use your talents. Help form the organization as we move forward.
Our chamber is an active organization. The commitees work on activities that impact all of us - government action, regional development, tourism, marketing and education.
Our chamber can't be stgnant. It must be flexible enough to help direct the solutions of today and tommorrow, but also strong enough to rely on policies based on previous decisions.
A flashy fundraiser continues to the fair
Were you in town for the Fourth of July? Anyone in the region may have noticed lots of kids (and a few adults!) with a certain "glow" about them. They were wearing the "Neon Necklaces" sold by the Chamber of Commerce. The fund raising program was a great success.
Look for the Chamber selling these glow-in-the-dark fashion accessories at the County Fair.
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