Committees
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Education/Workforce Development (Chairman: Jay Peay Vice Chairman: John Topping) Advancing economic prosperity requires a strong partnership between the business community and educational leaders. This committee will help bridge the gap between education & business, ensuring a more qualified, ready-to-work employee base. The 2007 focus is on EEDA. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Laurens County Higher Education Center 663 Medical Park Rd.Government Affairs (Chairman: Rich D'Alberto Vice Chairman: Scott Tollison) Our mission: Acting as a strong advocate for our business community is a core function of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber multiplies the voice of its almost 500 members even further by joining with other business advocacy organizations to propose, advocate on behalf of and support government policies and procedures that enhance our businesses’ ability to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape. The Regional Government Affairs Approach of the Laurens, Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg, and Greer Chambers of Commerce issues an annual Legislative Report Card that tracks and reports on South Carolina legislators' support for business-supported legislation. Before each legislative session the committee proposes a legislative agenda that represents our members' business, job creation/retention, and economic development goals. This agenda is approved by the respective Laurens County Chambers' boards of directors and is presented to our elected state representatives. During session the joint committee lobbies on behalf of bills deemed important for business and tracks how legislators vote on those bills. The Report Card, issued at the close of each legislative session, summarizes that activity and progress toward our goals.
30th Anniversary Committee (Chairman: Jim Firmin Vice Chairman: Jonathon Irick) The purpose of this Committee is to promote the 30th Anniversary of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce and to serve as liaison to plan the events for the 2008 year. The committee works cooperatively with the entire county and community. Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 291 Professional Park.
Tourism & Community Development (Chairman: Jim Firmin Vice Chairman: Syrissa Hartsell) Bringing visitors who stay in our lodging facilities, eat in our restaurants, tour our attractions and purchase retail goods and services is the purpose of this committee. Tourism is a key industry sector in our area, and this committee helps ensure its successful growth. Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. at The Hampton Inn of Clinton, 201 East Corporate Drive.
Small Business Support & Marketing (Chairman: Steve Lamb Vice Chairman: McLean Hicklin) The backbone of our economy is small business. This committee works to bring programs and services of greatest importance to helping small businesses grow and prosper. One of its new initiatives is to foster a positive environment for entrepreneurial activity. Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month from 8:30-9:30 a.m. location varies from month to month.
Chamber Development & Membership (Chairman: Sue Tinney Vice Chairman: Rhonda Cruickshanks) This high-energy group is a goodwill arm that reaches out to all Chamber members to seek input on Chamber performance, how the organization can better meet their needs and providing outreach to new members. Oversees ambassadors and recruitment. Participation on this committee is an excellent way to make new business contacts. Meets the 1st Thursday of the month from 8-9 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 291 Professional Park Road.
All Chamber members are invited to attend Board of Directors meetings, which are held on the 4th Monday of each month at 12:00 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce Building located behind the Hospital, 291 Professional Park Road.
