May 2008 Chairman's Message
by Jim Firmin, Chairman, Chamber Board of DirectorsThe Importance of Being There
It was a relaxing evening under the shade of century old oaks. It was an evening of celebration, of good food and great music. "IT" was the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce 30th anniversary picnic and concert on the West Plaza of the Presbyterian College campus in Clinton where more than 350 chambers members gathered to celebrate three decades of success.
The most important question is, "Were you there?"
Throughout its history, the Chamber has continued to offer our members the opportunity to network with fellow members and to build the relationships necessary to grow and sustain a business or organization. The April 24th picnic and concert was the perfect setting to meet old friends and make new business contacts. Where else are you going to find 350 potential customers gathered in one place on a casual Thursday evening?
The Chamber routinely draws an average crowd of 150 members to Business After Hours, a networking social held at least ten times a year and hosted by a Chamber-member business or organization. The record attendance for one of these events is 623, set with the opening of the Hampton Inn and Suites a few years ago. But with more than 500 Chamber member businesses and 20,000 employees served, there is no reason this number cannot be easily surpassed.
The success of Chamber sponsored events depends on one thing: YOU. Even with a mailing list of 690 and an email distribution list of 800 addresses, it is still impossible to reach the thousands of Chamber member employees scattered across seven South Carolina counties and five states. That’s where we ask for your help in promoting our events. If you are on the mailing list, copy and pass along your invitation to each employee of your industry, business or organization or post it in a commons area such as a break room or bulletin board. If you have a company-wide email distribution list, forward our email invitations to your entire list. In that number are new employees eager to meet other Chamber members, new sales associates needing to expand their territory, or potential new customers for the host business or of one of the many businesses in attendance.
In addition to Business After Hours, the Chamber hosts such annual events as the State of Laurens County Legislative Luncheon, the Annual Membership Dinner, focus groups, seminars, the Congressional Luncheon, and the ever popular golf tournament. Our next event is the Small Business Celebration scheduled for May 15 at the Little River Amphitheater in Laurens. It is presented by GOS, SwaimBrown, and Whiteford’s Giant Burger and will feature good food and an evening of music and dancing at one of the best event venues in Laurens County. All Chamber members are invited to join us as we celebrate the successes and contributions of small businesses. Mark the date on your calendar, throw a lawn chair or blanket in the car, and join us for another great networking opportunity.
The important thing is being there.
Jim Firmin
2008 Chairman
Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
