The Bradley County Chamber of Commerce met for its regularly scheduled board meeting Monday, May 11, with several members absent. Following review of the April meeting minutes, members discussed upcoming community events, festival preparations and chamber business.
Chamber representative Estephany Roman updated the board on the recent pop-up shop held Saturday, May 2, at Nancy’s Florist. Roman said the event drew a good turnout and featured five vendors. She announced the next pop-up shop will be held Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Main Street Market.
Leah St. John announced that the Friends of the Library will host a special event featuring Craig O’Neill on Thursday, June 11, at 11 a.m. O’Neill will read to attendees, and refreshments will be provided. St. John said the event will serve as the kickoff for the library’s annual summer reading program.
This year’s summer reading program, titled “Unearth a Story,” will feature a prehistoric theme. The program will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon beginning June 11 and continuing through July 16. St. John encouraged interested individuals to contact the library for registration information and additional details.
Board members also discussed preparations for the 70th Annual Pink Tomato Festival, scheduled for June 12-13. James Wells said volunteers are still needed to assist with this year’s festival activities. Festival events will begin the weekend prior with the annual golf tournament at Warren Country Club.
Wells said the carnival will open Thursday, June 11, and continue through Saturday, June 13, with armband night planned for opening night.
St. John added that the Friends of the Library will distribute free books to children at the corner of Cedar and Myrtle streets during the afternoon of June 11.
The board also discussed chamber member responsibilities during the festival, along with the need for local farmers to participate by selling tomatoes during the event. Farmers interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Chamber of Commerce office.
In new business, Chamber Director Nancy Arnold presented several new downtown banner designs to the board. The banners feature themes highlighting historic downtown Warren, the Pink Tomato Festival, Tall Pines/Main Street and Christmas.
Arnold said the Pink Tomato Festival banners are currently being installed throughout downtown, while the remaining banners are expected to arrive from the vendor soon.
Members also discussed the possibility of selling older banners that no longer fit downtown fixtures as a fundraising opportunity for individuals interested in owning a piece of Warren history. Additional ideas for beautification and decorations throughout the city were also discussed.
With no further business to address, the meeting was adjourned. The next chamber board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8, at noon.
