The more businesses grow in an area, the more likely new ventures will take part in the growth, said Pike Chamber of Commerce officials, who are kicking off an initiative to advocate buying local.
The program, known as “#BuyPikeCounty #BePikeCounty,” will promote small businesses and entrepreneurship throughout the county.
Barbara Simmons, the chamber’s chair of retail development, said the movement is getting off to a slow start, but she is optimistic.
Chamber financial chair Landon Woodall asked Simmons how the committee plans on marketing the program.
“Business owners will have posters and each other them will get pledge cards,” she said, adding that the program will rely on social media.
In another matter, community development chair J. Johnson said the chamber’s annual golf tournament will have to pushed back from September to October.
“I’ll have to get with the country club on the exact date,” he said, encouraging members to continue to seek sponsorships.
“Start talking it up,” he urged.
Chamber executive director Catherine Sanders recently completed her third year at the Chamber Institute in Athens, Ga.
Sanders said the event cost $1,300, but the Pike chamber only incurs cost for her travel.
“The Mississippi Economic Development Council gives me a scholarship each year that covers costs,” she said.
Sanders said this year she learned about board management, social media and budgeting, among other things.
“Now the budget will be a little more detailed this year,” she said.
Sanders said the Pike chamber and the county Economic Development District will share an intern, Harper Mims, beginning in August.
In other news, the board named Hutchinson and Co. CPA as Business of the Month for August.
