Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Ridgeland, MS
One of the biggest perks of working for The Clarion-Ledger as a reporter/feature writer back in the day, were the endless opportunities to meet and interview leading personalities of our time.
Although writing stories about politicians, writers, business entrepreneurs and everyday heroes were eye opening and interesting when it came to entertainers, especially country music stars, I was in my element!
For the most part, most of them were as awe struck at being called a Star as I was sitting next to them in their dressing rooms asking questions about their life and music.
Such was the case with Mississippi's native son Superstar Charley Pride.
In Jackson in 1974 headlining the Mississippi Arts Festival at the Coliseum, Charley received countless standing ovations and brought the house down with his final number “Cotton Fields”.
Already a mega superstar with such hits as “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’’”, “Mountain of Love”, “Kaw-Liga” and “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone”. Charley was on his way to becoming RCA Records’ top-selling country artist and country music’s first Black Superstar.
That afternoon, before his sold-out performance, Charley Pride and I sat down in his suite at the Coliseum Ramada Inn to talk about his days as a Mississippi farmhand – those childhood years he spent picking cotton alongside his parents and 10 brothers and sisters on a farm in Sledge.
Using his earnings from picking cotton Charley said he bought his first guitar, a $10 Sears Roebuck model when he was 14.
He told me he had dreams of becoming the “greatest baseball player whoever put on a uniform” and wanted to follow in the footsteps of his favorite baseball player Jackie Robinson.
However, it was during a nightclub act in 1963 that country stars Red Sovine and Red Foley happened to stumble in on one of Charley’s acts and suggested he give up his dreams of baseball and seriously consider making music his career.
Charley Pride is an inspiration to generations of performers, a model of quiet dignity and artful fortitude.
Reading over my long-ago story about Charley Pride, I ended it this way: “Charley Pride has come a long way from the Delta cotton fields where he was born and reared. There’s one thing for sure now: he’ll never have to go back.”
And, he never did.
Rest in Peace Charley Pride. You did Mississippi and our world proud!
Linda Bynum
601-991-9996
linda@ridgelandchamber.com
http://www.ridgelandchamber.com
Good morning,
We are partnering with chambers of commerce from across the state of Illinois to develop a Statewide Business and Economic Recovery Conference. Such a conference would give you the opportunity to speak with industry peers from across the state, gain new knowledge to help you get back on track and help you answer the question, what's next?
As we begin to put this conference together, we welcome and value any insights that you may provide. Your feedback will help shape the conference so that it is beneficial to your business.
To give us your feedback, please take this short, 3 minute survey:
Take Survey
Thank you in advance. We greatly appreciate your feedback as we begin to plan this conference.
Laura Weis
President & CEO
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
While shopping small and local in Batavia, you could win a prize package worth more than $3,500 in a Home for the Holidays campaign sponsored by Batavia Chamber of Commerce and Batavia MainStreet.
BATAVIA, ILL – November 20, 2020 – This year’s pandemic-defined holiday season promises to present challenges to both the local businesses and those hoping to fulfill holiday wish-lists.
- 8 x 10 rug valued at $1200 from Carlson's Floors
- $200 carpet cleaning from The Right Guys Carpet Cleaning
- Hot water heater and installation valued at $1500 from Bulldog Plumbing
- $100 Sofa cleaning from Great Guys Carpet Cleaning
- $350 in tree pruning services from Henry Tree Company
- $450 in room painting (15 x 15 room) from Doug's Painting 630-638-9786
- $150 in professional organizing services from Neat Life Design
- A Birthday sign from Sign Up Your Yard valued at $79
- Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Margaret Perreault, president and CEO: (630) 879-7134, Ext. 1; bataviachamber.org
- Batavia MainStreet, Beth Walker, executive director: (630) 761-3528, downtownbatavia.com
Carbondale Chamber: Saluki Pride Mini-Paw Print
The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce has launched an opportunity for chamber members and others to have a smaller version of the Saluki Paw Print seen on major roads leading to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. The Mini-Paw Print is available for 2 for $20 and will be painted on citizen’s driveways, walkways, businesses, or other locations throughout Saluki Nation in southern Illinois by experienced chamber volunteers.
Proceeds go toward the Saluki Stay Scholarship which is awarded to five returning Southern Illinois University students who meet the award criteria (2.8 cumulative GPA, at least four semesters completed at SIU and demonstrated financial need). Chamber President/CEO Tom Davenport is shown in the photo in his driveway which proudly displays his SIU spirit for all to see. To order Mini-Paw Prints to show your Saluki Pride visit the chamber website at carbondalechamber.com.
As the holidays draw near and 2020 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the year and discuss pivotal moments and the responsive actions undertaken by your Indy Chamber to help equip member businesses for success. Watch the virtual wrap-up hosted by President and CEO of Indy Chamber, Michael Huber. Michael discusses with our featured speakers the impact of COVID-19 on regional business as well as insights to the work being done with Business Equity for Indy and an overview to our commitment to growing an inclusive economy. We will also share what is being planned to continue supporting our small business community in 2021.
Featured speakers Include:
Dennis Murphy, President and CEO, IU Health
Jeff Harrison, President and CEO, Citizens Energy Group
Vincent Ash, Director of Indianapolis Economic Development, Develop Indy
Hye Jin Kalgaonkar, CEO & Founder, The Hot Room
Mark Fisher, Chief Policy Officer, Indy Chamber
Sarah Iglehart, Vice President of Regional Economic Development, Indy Chamber
Click here for the recording
MeQuon Thiensville Community Profile and Membership Directory
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Recovery Marketing Leverage Grant for Tourism Marketing
The Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce has received $2500 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Recovery Marketing Leverage Program (RMLP), designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging limited local marketing dollars through a local match of the state grants funds.
More than $1.9 million in matching grant funds were awarded to 161 local tourism initiatives through this program. This funding cycle, local partners will provide more than $5.6 million in-kind value to match the VTC grants. The grants will ultimately impact 483 statewide tourism entities.
Your Farmville Area Chamber will use the VTC Recovery Marketing Leverage grant funds to promote chamber members’ businesses as well as businesses within the Farmville downtown district with paid ads on social media.
“We are so grateful and excited to receive this grant from VTC. Funds will go directly towards not only promoting our members, but also some Farmville Downtown Partnership businesses that are not chamber members,” shared Anne Tyler Paulek, Executive Director of the Farmville Area Chamber and Managing Partner for Farmville Downtown Partnership.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism and hospitality industries in Virginia. As the Commonwealth slowly reopens for business, VTC offered these grant funds as a first step to re-entry into the marketplace to spur economic activity and future travel across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“Tourism is a crucial section of the Virginia economy and when we invest in this industry, we support local job creation and drive regional economic growth, which is desperately needed now due to the pandemic,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “These funds give localities and businesses access to critical marketing resources that will help bring more travelers to our Commonwealth, increase visitor spending, and grow demand for Virginia products.” Read more: Southside Messenger
The WI Annual Breakfast, sponsored by PNC, will feature a panel of dynamic local female leaders who will provide insights to how their ethics and values helped propel them in their careers. Their discussion will also explore how they each drew upon their individual expertise and that of their teams to navigate difficulties.
“We’re excited to be able to bring these inspiring leaders together to impart their insights around leadership, in general, and during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Barbara Johnson, CFP™, First Vice President – Investment Officer at Wells Fargo Advisors, and Chair of the WI Annual Breakfast. “Our goal is for this Annual Breakfast to provide attendees with a much-needed sense of empowerment, motivation and inspiration as they continue on their career paths and prepare for opportunities in 2021.
The 2021 program will be moderated by Catrena Bowman-Thomas, Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission. Bowman-Thomas has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit field and has a proven track record in nonprofit leadership.
This year’s panelists include:
Brit Fitzpatrick – Fitzpatrick currently serves as Executive Director of Blue North, which connects, equips, grows, and invests in entrepreneurs throughout the 8-county Northern Kentucky region. In 2013, Fitzpatrick founded MentorMe, one of the first SaaS mentoring startups, which provided mentoring program management software for more than 100 K-12 mentoring programs throughout the United States. She has spoken on entrepreneurship, mentoring, and social innovation at more than 30 events and conferences across the U.S. – including Dreamforce, TEDx, and White House Demo Day.
Mary Miller – Miller is an inspirational speaker, coach and CEO of JANCOA, a family-owned and operated commercial cleaning company. Her passion is to encourage people to identify and capture their fascinating future. Her book Changing Direction: Ten Choices that Impact Your Dreams outlines steps anyone can take to achieve a quality life that is bigger than they had imagined. Miller is known for infusing energy for the audience and sharing feasible solutions to create their own plans to live their fascinating future.
Molly North – North has served as president and CEO of Al. Neyer since 2015. North has extensive experience in sophisticated capital instruments and is especially passionate about urban redevelopment and projects that foster diversity and inclusion at every level. North is also heavily engaged in the community and is currently serving as the board chair of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. She has received numerous recognitions including Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Midwest Real Estate News Magazine Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame among others.
New this year, WI Annual Breakfast organizers are adding two new features: a virtual networking element and the opportunity to help support local, women-owned businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic.
“Many businesses, especially small and women-owned companies, within the Greater Northern Kentucky region are struggling because of the restrictions imposed in an effort to keep us all safe,” said Johnson. “As a way to continue to show the Women’s Initiative’s commitment to supporting our region, we’re excited to provide virtual networking registrants with a $25 gift card to their choice of a local, woman-owned business.”
The WI Annual Breakfast will also include the presentation of the Debbie Simpson Spirit of Achievement Award. Named after founding WI member Debbie Simpson, the award is presented to a professional woman who has had career success, been active in the community and made a significant impact on the WI. This year’s recipient will be announced in January. Read more: NKY Chamber
“Need a 'different' gift for a 'different' person?” a recent post at the website for Shenandoah Stuff in Woodstock asks shoppers.
Shenandoah Stuff at 446 W. Reservoir Road sells consignment items, upcycled crafts and locally made products that manager Liz Riffey said are unique to the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
“When you shop small, you’re going to find special things,” Riffey said. “You find things that you’re not going to find anywhere else.”
For the holiday season, the shop is offering several handmade Christmas items like wreaths and ornaments.
“One of my consignors makes these cool pocketbooks made out of blue jeans,” she said.
With options of one or two pockets, she said, “They’re lined and they’re awesome.”
Their best seller is their initial books, Riffey said.
The letters and punctuation marks are carved from Reader’s Digest condensed books that she said are tough to recycle and which libraries rarely accept or try to resell.
“We’ve found a way to upcycle,” she said. “We have the alphabet and the ampersand.”
They’re great for wedding gifts and other special occasions, she said.
She recalled selling the letters to spell out “READ” as a gift for a librarian.
In the next building, at Cook’s Exxon and Country Store, she said shoppers will find locally made foods like Christmas candy, honey, apple butter and spices from Shaffer’s BBQ.
“It’s basically all one big store,” she said. “It’s kind of like chapters of a book; we’re separate but we’re together.”
As the region revs up for Christmas, area businesses are offering discounts and other special deals this weekend to encourage people to shop local.
Eclectic toy store Play Favorites at 441 South St. in Front Royal is offering deals through Sunday of “buy two get one half off” or “buy three get one free” on all items, said owner Michael Lock.
The store, which opened in September offers smart specialty toys and games for children and adults, its Facebook page says at facebook.com/weplayfaves.
“We’re a toy store that has everything,” Lock said. “Everything from infant and toddler toys to board games for adults.”
The store also carries science items and craft sets with the goal of being both fun and educational.
Though it had a slow start this fall, Lock said business has been picking up heading into the holidays, and he’s hoping for crowds on Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday.
At Shenandoah Stuff, Riffey said she’ll be part of Woodstock’s Shop Small Sweepstakes that offers shoppers the chance at a grand prize when they buy $20 or more in items at participating businesses through Dec. 21.
Front Royal and Shenandoah County are promoting Small Business Saturday at their Chambers of Commerce.
The Front Royal Chamber is partnering with the Front Royal Independent Business Alliance, the United Way of Front Royal/Warren County and the Town of Front Royal to distribute coupons around the community.
Through its #shopsmall effort, the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce will be listing area businesses participating in Small Business Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its website.
Saturday will also be the chamber’s kick-off to its #ShopLocal For the Holidays Campaign, which will run through Dec 22.
“Most of our businesses, because of COVID, are not seeing their normal sales,” said Sharon Baroncelli, director of the Shenandoah County Chamber.
“What we’re encouraging everyone to do is show their love for small businesses by shopping local,” she said. “Shop local before shopping on Amazon.”
Though people might be avoiding going out to store locations during the pandemic, Baroncelli said that many area stores offer contactless sales options, such as online services or curbside pickup.
“Our businesses are doing everything they can to stay open and meet the needs of our residents,” she said. “[I]t’s just a matter of what your need [is] and contacting that business first.”
For information on the Shenandoah County Chamber’s #ShopLocal and #ShopSmall campaigns, visit shenandoahcountychamber.com/event-4013569.
For information on Front Royal’s Small Business Saturday event, visit frontroyalchamber.com/small-business-saturday-is-approaching. Read more: Northern Virginia Daily
The award winning Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce, which is the largest business organization in the Straits Region, announced today a change in leadership at the Executive Director Level.
Current Executive Director Scott Herceg, CAE is leaving the Chamber to pursue a Master’s Degree and establish his own consulting firm specializing in non-profit administration and organizational development. He will remain in his position as Executive Director through January 31, 2021 to assist with the transition in leadership to Polly Schneider.
“The Chamber would like to thank Scott for his many years of service to the Chamber and Cheboygan community and we’d like to congratulate him in his new endeavor.” said Marianne Ridings, 2020 CACC President. “It has been an honor to serve with Scott. His professionalism, leadership and expertise have been invaluable in developing a strong Chamber presence in the community.“ Ridings continued by saying, “I’ve come to appreciate all of the above attributes along with his humor, descriptive analogies and good hearted nature. He will definitely be missed.”
“I fell in love with Cheboygan. And I have been honored to serve as Executive Director of both the Chamber and the Cheboygan Area Visitors Bureau for the last several years. I am very proud of the many of the accomplishments we have had together, including being recognized as Michigan’s Chamber of the Year in 2018. During my time with the Chamber I have greatly enjoyed working with Polly as a partner in carrying out the mission of the Chamber. I’m proud and excited to have her transition into the role of Executive Director and look forward to seeing continued success for the Chamber and the Cheboygan community.” said Scott Herceg.
Polly Schneider will assume her new position as Executive Director on February 1, 2021. In addition to her role as Chamber Executive Director she will also serve as Executive Director of the Cheboygan Area Visitors Bureau as previous Chamber directors have done.
Polly Schneider has been employed with the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce since 2017, initially as Office Manager/ Event Coordinator. She was promoted to Assistant Director in March of 2020. Polly is currently active on the Cheboygan County Salvation Army Advisory Council as well as the Straits Area Community Foundation Board. Polly and her husband Matt have been married for 23 years and have resided in Cheboygan since 2013. Their sons Hayden and Samuel are both Cheboygan Area High School graduates.
Tom McKinley, 2021 CACC President Elect shared, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to welcome Polly to her new position. The Board did not see a need to seek external candidates due to Polly’s knowledge and experience with the Chamber. She has more than proven herself in her years of employment.” McKinley went on to say, “Polly is one of the most energetic, creative and dedicated people I’ve ever met, and I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”
“As Executive Director I look forward to preserving existing and cultivating new relationships with our members and the community.” Schneider added, “The Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce has firmly established its role as a solid advocate for area business and will continue to fulfill our mission of, Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce LEADS Cheboygan, through Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy, Development and Support.” Schneider concluded with saying, “I’d like to thank the Board for putting their trust in me, and giving me the opportunity to continue my work with the Chamber and serve my community in a greater capacity. I am also very excited to help promote our little slice of heaven through work with the Cheboygan Area Visitors Bureau.”
Flint & Genesee Chamber: 'Spread the Cheer' sweepstakes offers businesses, shoppers a holiday boost
As part of the sweepstakes, B-Dogs received $1,000 to put toward any needed business expenses. The hot dog cart is currently closed in observance of the state’s three-week pause and will re-open Dec. 3.
Which Genesee County business do you think deserves some extra love this holiday season? Nominations are still open. Let us know below for the chance to win.
READ MORE
In an auction of federal financial subsidies intended to spur the construction of broadband internet infrastructure in underserved rural areas, a total of $495 million in public money was awarded for projects within the state of Mississippi, more than any other state except California.
The Federal Communications Commission on Monday released a list of entities awarded money through the Phase I auction of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund along with a list of project dollars by state.
A total of 12 different bidders, including the Elon Musk-led SpaceX, won the $495 million allocated across 218,000 eligible locations with Mississippi.
Northeast Mississippi’s largely rural landscape includes many eligible locations.
Northern Mississippi’s Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, a Democrat from Nettleton, has been an especially vocal advocate for rural broadband expansion and hailed the RDOF results.
“I think, this is the largest amount of money ever dedicated in the history of the state of Mississippi for broadband expansion,” Presley said. “To come out of the gate with the second highest amount of funding makes me very, very proud. I never dreamed we would get this much money.”
Project dollars were allocated by reverse auction beginning on Oct. 29 and concluding on Nov. 25. Up to $16 billion was available during this phase one auction, with about $9 billion ultimately awarded. The unallocated money will be rolled forward into a forthcoming Phase II auction.
Entities winning money for Mississippi projects are as follows: ACT, Bay Springs Telephone Company, Comnet Wireless, Connect Everyone, NextTier Consortium, NRTC Phase I RDOF Consortium, Prospero Broadband Consortium, RDOF USA Consortium, Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium, Segnum Egere Consortium, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation and Windstream Service.
Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission Begins CEO Search
The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission has begun its search for a chief executive officer to replace Bill Cork, who took a position with the Mississippi Development Authority. Bill Cotter is serving as interim chief executive. Cotter served previously as Chief Operating Officer and as Airport Director.
Derek Necaise, president of the Port and Harbor Board of Commissioners, said, “The CEO position is the most critical position of any organization. We are aware that the CEO will bring leadership, vision, strategy and culture to the organization. As a commission, we've selected Next Move Group, an independent employment research firm, to aid us in the process.”
Next Move Group is an economic development consulting firm based in New Orleans. The company has conducted dozens of economic development executive searches across the United States. Owner and CEO Chad Chancellor, a native Mississippian, said his company has successfully conducted similar searches for the World Trade Center of New Orleans as well as Ascension, LaFourche, and St. Bernard parishes in Louisiana; Galveston, Texas; and Florida’s Great Northwest. “Those are all heavy port areas which have a large concentration of heavy industries, aerospace, rail and maritime related endeavors,” he said.
HCPHC was created in 1963 by the Board of Supervisors as the county’s chief economic development agency. It owns and operates Port Bienville Industrial Park and its Short Line Railroad and Stennis International Airport. HCPHC is self-supporting, with revenue derived from the industrial park and airport facilities and services.
Its primary mission is to promote and develop Hancock County by retaining existing companies and attracting additional industry to increase the county’s tax base and create jobs for residents. The CEO oversees all the economic development activities in the county and its staff of 31 employees.
Next Move Group is soliciting applicants online through Jan. 8, 2021. Read more: HCPHC
Oak Creek and Franklin - A Guide to the South Suburban Region 2020
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Idaho Forest Group (IFG) just selected the City of Lumberton in Greater Hattiesburg, MS, as the location for their first advanced manufacturing sawmill in the South. The $120 million project is the single largest investment in the history of Lumberton and will create 135 direct jobs, with an average annual salary of $44,000 plus benefits. The multiplier effect is huge as the company will tap the wood basket within a 70 mile radius of the Pine Belt, stimulating hundreds of indirect and induced jobs as the company spends millions each year on timber purchases. Landowners, loggers, and transportation companies will benefit greatly. The Area Development Partnership (ADP) was pleased to host company executives five times during the pandemic as officials conducted a comprehensive multi-state site selection search that ultimately led to their location in the South Lamar Industrial Park. Our partnership with local units of government, the Mississippi Development Authority, workforce training providers, and utility companies proved to be instrumental in securing the project. IFG intends to be in production by mid-2022.
Greater Hattiesburg, MS, has led the state in the percentage of job growth among metro areas for the last several years. IFG’s announcement Monday is just another example of our community being prepared for economic success and then relentlessly pursuing companies to ensure that all of their needs are met in the site selection process. Our university town environment is attractive to companies as they seek a skilled workforce and a superb quality of life. As the region’s chamber of commerce and economic development agency, our team here at the ADP is well versed in assisting companies and consultants in a wide array of economic sectors. We are passionate about or community and hope to have an opportunity to work with you and your clients in 2021. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Chad Newell
President, Area Development Partnership
On Westport Way in Flowood, there are five houses that have a joint display of lights, choreographed to music of several different kinds.
They’re five of 36 residences in ‘Let it Glow,” a Chamber of Commerce project where you can see some of the county’s most specacular lights. Chamber CEO Mandi Arinder said as chamber officials pondered what to do instead of the usual yearly festivities, she had an idea.
“I’ve seen some ideas that were similar out of state, and I said, ‘I think I can adapt that to Rankin County,’” Arinder said.
This year has been tough for member businesses, enough that it’s been concerning to some of the business community. So organizers hope “Let it Glow” can help bring shoppers and diners into stores and restaurants. There are 19 businesses also involved in the project.
“We added the business element to it as well, so we’ve added the storefronts, for everybody to go see them and my hope is that when everybody tours the storefronts, they’ll also go in and shop,” Arinder said.
Maps and addresses of all the competing locations can be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page.
“Growing up as a child, I remember riding every year with my parents to look at Christmas lights, it was one of my favorite Christmas memories,” Arinder said. “When we were talking about it, I said, ‘Don’t you all remember doing that as a child? Let’s go back to that.’” Read more: WLBT.com
Sparta Area Chamber: Virtual fireside chats with Santa begin
The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce will host virtual 'Fireside Chats with Santa' on their Facebook page over the next four Thursdays in December.
Readings begin at 7:00 p.m. Santa has some pretty good stories lined up to share with you starting with “Pete the Cat Saves Christmas." On December 10th, Santa will share “I Got the Christmas Spirit." On December 17th, sit back and listen to Santa as he reads, “How to Catch Santa.” Finally, on December 24th, Santa will close out the series with “The Night Before Christmas.”
You can find copies of these books and much more at the Sparta Free Library for curbside pickup or by scheduling an appointment. You can contact the library at 608-269-2010 for more information. Read more: WXOW
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Cynthia Schneider and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Oxford Mayor Receives Tourism Leadership Award by MS Tourism Association
Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill is this year’s recipient of the Mississippi Tourism Association Governmental Tourism Leadership Award for her support of tourism through helping attract visitors while working with other tourism partners.
The MTA recognized Tannehill and the impact and accomplishments of the state’s tourism industry at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism held at the IP Casino Resort and Spa in Biloxi Monday through Wednesday.
This annual educational and professional development event brought together more than 120 tourism industry professionals from across the state, as well as tourism partners from the surrounding region. The awards program gives MTA the opportunity to recognize the best of the best from their 200+ member organizations.
Awards were presented in 15 categories, each focusing on a different aspect of the hospitality industry or individual achievement.
Tannehill has spent most of her professional career growing Oxford’s tourism product. After working for the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation, she went on to serve as the Oxford Tourism Council’s executive director. In this role, she oversaw the creation of the Double Decker Arts Festival, a festival that started out with only a handful of artisans, food vendors and musicians performing on the bed of a pickup truck and is now a powerhouse event with an attendance of more than 60,000 people.
During her tenure with the tourism council, it was named Mississippi’s Most Outstanding Tourism Bureau with a budget of more than $500,000.
As mayor of Oxford, Tannehill has kept tourism at the top of her list of priorities, whether loaning her office to a film crew for a William Faulkner documentary, moderating a panel at Oxford’s first women’s empowerment conference or spearheading a Friday night outdoor concert on the Square to drive foot traffic to the downtown restaurants and shops.
“We have an on-going dialogue of ways to improve the visitor experience, how to get locals more involved and additional programming that we can help implement and/or market. Robyn just ‘gets it’ when it comes to tourism and the economic impact it has on our community,” said Visit Oxford Executive Director and MTA member, Kinney Ferris.
That economic impact that tourism plays for the city of Oxford and Lafayette county has seen continued growth over the past 10 years. In 2019, tourism spending hit an all-time high at $177 million. Total tax dollars attributed to tourism amounted to $16.2 million and supported more than 2,200 jobs in the Oxford community.
“Oxford is a top tier destination in Mississippi and it is always helpful to have leadership that supports our efforts; that’s why it was a no-brainer for the Visit Oxford office to nominate Robyn for this much-deserved award in Tourism Leadership,” Ferris said. Read more: Hotty Toddy
Greater Picayune Area Chamber: Leadership Pearl River County: Revived program participants get chance to hear from city, county officials
With the revival of the Leadership Pearl River County program, now under the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce, participants can once again get more insight into how the local government works, and the challenges elected officials face to grow the economy.
Presentation is everything, that includes how a city looks when prospective residents and business owners come to town.
Building exteriors is just one of the challenges the city of Picayune faces in that regard. Mayor Ed Pinero said there is only so much a city can do to rectify the problem of less than fresh facades, especially since a number of current buildings are grandfathered in. However, with the expansion of Highway 11, Pinero said that many property owners may start to take more notice of how their building looks from the road. Read more: Picayune Item
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
The Greater Monticello Chamber and White County Visitors Center Map
The Greater Monticello Chamber Map is now available at the chamber today! Thanks to Janet Dold and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is the voice of YOUR business in local, county, and state issues.
The Chamber represents the business community in problem-solving, promoting economic development, raising the per capita income and providing strong financial resources to create a better life for all citizens.
The Chamber is
- Over 700 businesses and professionals working together to make Oxford and Lafayette County a better place to live.
- A clearinghouse for plans and proposals affecting Oxford’s future.
- Committees hard at work meeting the City’s and County’s needs.
- Setting and achieving goals that will ensure Oxford and Lafayette County of reaching its full potential as a community.
With your support, the Chamber provides programs and events for member businesses and the community. Membership has its benefits, join the Chamber now.
