Membership numbers were the hot topic again at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce meeting on Monday. And executive director Britt Herrin said the chamber’s new website will be online at the end of the month.
Chamber president Tammy Strickland reminded board members about a challenge set by assistant executive director Catherine Sanders, who is also the board’s membership director.
“One thing we were asked by our new membership division this year is for each board member to get at least two new members,” Strickland said.
She said few board members have signed on new people, but she added that it may help for people to know that the chamber isn’t just for businesses.
“Most peole think you have to be a business, but I want to promote memberships among individuals and retirees,” Strickland said.
Strickland highlighted some of the benefits of members such as discounted tickets to major events and first choice of tickets before they’re made available to the public.
“And it’s an investment in the community,” Strickland said.
Catherine Sanders had another busy month, bringing in nine new members — Robert Brock, Pike County Supervisor Faye Hodges, Nan Miller, Custom Audio, This-N-That Flea Market, Any Lab Test Now, Grade King Contracting LLC, McComb Recycling Center and Smith Painting and Contracting.
Herrin said the new website will have a lot more for business scouts and people looking for a new home to click on when they look for what’s available in Pike County.
“We’ve approved the final website design and it’s been fleshed out with interactive videos and other links,” Herrin said.
“It should be online at the end of the month. I’m really happy with what I see,” Herrin said. “It’ll have clearer identity for the chamber and the department of economic development. Both will integrate with social media.”
Herrin also discussed the oil services guide the chamber is putting together to promote local businesses to the oil industry.
“If you know of a group that would be interested in a power point presentation on the shale play, tell them to call us,” Herrin said.
Herrin and other economic development members have been researching the oil business and have recently traveled to Texas to learn the economic effects of an oil boom.
In other business board members:
• Approved minutes and financial statements.
• Heard a report from community division director Bella Surrett on the status of the fishing tournament. Surrett said 11 teams have signed up so far.
• Program director Tammy Menard announced the next Business after Hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. July 30 at Roach, McMillan and Wells, 225 Canal St.
The chamber is looking for door prizes from local businesses.
• Education division director Tim Stogner reported that his division is planning a Mississippi Scholars board meeting.
To find out more about membership or an upcoming event, call the chamber at 684-2291.
