The Membership Committee is off and running this year with a strong program of work and leadership. Here is the latest itinerary on what's happening:
1. Leads Groups I, II, and III: We are in the process of adding more Leads Groups to help our members receive hot leads and promote local businesses. If you are interested in joining a Leads Group, please contact Jamie Calkins.
2. General Membership Luncheon: scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month at the Elks Lodge of New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater on Park Avenue, Edgewater. Lunch is served at 12 noon to 1 pm . Cost is only $7. During this meeting, Committee Chairs provide their reports, you can sign up for a committee and there is a monthly speaker. This month, George Mirabal with Team Volusia spoke about the program its goals and mission to compliment Economic Development initiatives with the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Cities with the private / public organization. Most of the year has filled up for speakers. If you are interested, please contact the Chair, Jamie Calkins.
3. Coffee with the President: scheduled for the last Friday of each month at 7:30 am. This is a networking event with best practices discussion on how to make a good first impression with business prospects. We practice your 30-second commercial. A member may volunteer to sponsor by bringing breakfast and receiving 15 minute opportunity to introduce his or her business to the group. This is also a great time to meet the 2011 president, Kenneth Bohannon.
4. New Member Reception: This reception is an opportunity for new members and existing members to meet the President and Board of Directors as well as the staff. Members can learn all about networking opportunities and how to make the most of your Chamber investment. These receptions are held quarterly. The next one will be Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Hidden Lakes Golf Club from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
5. Coaches Program: This is a great program that the Membership Committee and Ambassador Committee work on together. Basically the coaches are assigned a few new members for the first three months to educate the members all about the great networking opportunities that the Chamber has to offer, introduce the new members around at these events and keep new members up to date on how the work their membership to get new business. This is a really fun committee and makes the difference for the entire membership. We brainstorm and research new ideas and revamp some older programs so that each member receives the best benefits for their business.
If you have some time to make a few phone calls and have some great ideas or need to make new contacts to grow your own business, this is the committee for you. To become involved with the Membership Committee, please contact Jamie Calkins, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management at 386-274-3012 or show up at the next meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, here at the Chamber of Commerce 310 Julia Street, NSB, FL 32168 386-428-2449.