September 2007 Chairman's Message
by Dr. Bud Marchant, Chairman, Chamber Board of DirectorsWhat is in a Name?
When you hear "Chamber of Commerce" what do you think of? Do you think, "Oh, that’s the place to get local information…" or "they like to Eat…and Drink…and Talk…" or "they cut ribbons!" Well, we do those things but we also do a lot more!
The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce represents over 450 businesses in and around Laurens County. We are a progressive forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting business in our region by being the community’s nexus. Businesses become members of the chamber and we, in turn promote their business through a variety of outlets including our Web site, our business referral program, and our membership directory. We create events that help members meet their next customer. Our monthly business after hours our annual golf tournament and our annual trade show give members more opportunity to network and market their businesses. Luncheons and workshops offer educational opportunities as well.
In addition to the eating and the drinking and of course the ribbon cutting the chamber also works hard to forge links between and among business and government, community organizations, local residents and institutions.
Here are some examples:
The chamber has created a committee that is working on creating the first comprehensive tourism marketing plan for the county. Tourism is South Carolina’s number 1 industry and Laurens County is rich in historical sites and has miles of Lake Greenwood shore line.
Our Government Affairs Committee is working hard to ensure that our elected officials are aware of the needs of business and industry. This year we adopted a legislative agenda that was aggressively pro-business and help ensure its passage.
Our Workforce Development/Education Committee is developing a system by-which business and industry and education (both K-12 and higher education) can work together to ensure that the skills necessary for student success in the workplace are taught.
The chamber sponsors Leadership Laurens, a program designed to increase the knowledge of up-and-coming county residences about the issues facing the county.
I encourage you to contact me with any comments or suggestions you may have on further improving the Chamber and the community.
And don’t forget to come to our ribbon cuttings!
