The Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Board met Monday, July 13, for its regularly scheduled meeting, approving routine business while discussing upcoming community events, membership outreach efforts, and downtown beautification projects.
The meeting opened with the approval of the June meeting minutes and a review of the June financial report.
Board member Estephany Roman reported that the July Pop-Up Shop, held at The Good News Ice Cream Shop, was successful with two participating vendors. She announced that the next Pop-Up Shop is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, at Warehouse B and Nanny’s Nest Boutique.
Roman also said plans are underway for the next Market on Main, which is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19.
Board members also began planning for the community Halloween festival, which will be held in October. The group discussed several fundraising ideas and agreed to continue researching those options before revisiting the discussion at the August meeting.
In new business, the board turned its attention to planning the chamber’s annual board meeting, which is expected to take place this fall. Board member Ron St. John said the organization’s bylaws will need to be reviewed before the meeting. Members also discussed potential venues and catering options for the annual event.
Chamber Director Nancy Arnold updated the board on ongoing membership outreach efforts, explaining that she has been visiting local businesses throughout the community to take photographs and encourage non-member businesses to join the Chamber of Commerce.
Arnold said she is also providing informational sheets to both current and new members so their business information and photographs can be added to the chamber’s website, creating a more comprehensive online directory of businesses and services available throughout the community.
She said the response from local businesses has been positive.
In old business, Arnold announced that new Christmas banners for downtown have been purchased through a donation from Mrs. Leah St. John.
She also reported that eight additional United States flags have been ordered to complete the downtown display. The purchase was made possible through proceeds generated from the sale of older banners during the Pink Tomato Festival.
“We want to keep the United States flags up year-round,” Arnold said.
The board also continued discussions regarding the possible purchase of fall-themed banners for downtown. No action was taken, and the matter will be revisited at a future meeting.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. The next Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 10, at noon.
