The Bradley County Chamber of Commerce is preparing for a busy fall season, with several community events on the calendar and additional fundraising efforts being considered by the board.
The chamber met Monday, Sept. 14, for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Following approval of the August meeting minutes, Jane Harris presented the chamber’s August financial report.
Harris reported that several chamber members had submitted their annual dues, contributing to the organization’s financial position. After reviewing the report, the board approved the August financials.
Attention then turned to upcoming special events. Chairwoman Ana Angeles provided an update on behalf of Estephany Roman regarding the chamber’s August Pop-Up Shop, which was held at Warehouse B. Angeles said the event was successful and attracted a large number of vendors.
The response was strong enough that additional space was needed to accommodate all of the participating businesses. Sweet & Bloom Florist opened its location to provide space for the overflow vendors, allowing more local businesses and entrepreneurs to participate.
The chamber’s next Pop-Up Shop is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at FayMays, located at 214 S. Main St. The event will provide another opportunity for local vendors to showcase their products and connect with shoppers.
Board members also discussed the chamber’s Market on Main event. Because of the hot weather, the event will be moved to October rather than being held during the warmer September conditions.
Another major fall event discussed during the meeting was the chamber’s annual Tent or Treat celebration. The event is scheduled for Halloween, Oct. 31, along Main Street from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tent or Treat has become an opportunity for local businesses, organizations and community members to participate in a family-oriented Halloween celebration while bringing residents and visitors downtown. Additional details will be announced as the event approaches.
Fundraising efforts were also discussed as the chamber continues to look for ways to support its activities and programs. During the meeting, one member presented information about Rada Cutlery as a potential fundraising opportunity. Board members indicated that additional fundraising ideas will be considered and discussed at future meetings.
The chamber also began preliminary discussions regarding its annual Board of Directors meeting. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, at noon. More information concerning the annual meeting is expected to be discussed during the chamber’s October meeting.
No new business was brought before the board.
The chamber meeting also included an update from JeNelle Lipton with Friends of the Library concerning upcoming activities at the Warren Branch Library.
Lipton announced that the Warren Branch Library will hold an open house Wednesday, Oct. 21. Refreshments will be served during the event, providing an opportunity for community members to visit the library, learn more about its services and activities, and meet with library supporters.
Lipton also asked chamber members for ideas for the library’s upcoming Christmas program, which is scheduled for Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. The program is being planned as part of the library’s holiday activities, and community input is being sought as preparations continue.
Looking farther ahead, Lipton announced that the library’s annual Valentine dessert auction is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13. The event will provide another opportunity for the community to support the Warren Branch Library while participating in a popular seasonal fundraiser.
With no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned.
The next regular meeting of the Bradley County Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19, at noon.
