By Rebecca Adcock
February is the shortest month of the year and boy was it ever short. I feel that the month was more like 2.8 days instead of 28. The office has been overrun with membership renewals.
Your membership dues allow us to provide programming for the community.
I have met with Patrick Henry Community College Workforce Development, and I am getting up to speed on the programs that are available for companies. One great program provides the training reimbursement program.
The second full week of February, we crammed as much as possible into a Friday. On February 9th, we hosted the pop up “Buy Your Love Local” farmers’ market. We had 15 vendors and more than 75 people came and shopped.
We went on a trip to Richmond with the Ambassador/Leadership program, leaving early one morning to make the trek. We were able to meet with members of the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation for lunch.
After that it was on to the Capitol to sit in on the General Assembly proceedings for both the House and Senate. We toured the Capitol building before leaving that evening.
We met and discussed issues with Delegate Poindexter and Senator Stanley the next morning. The state of the hospital, and finding a potential buyer, were two of the main topics discussed. After meeting with them, we toured the Governor’s Mansion and then started the trip home.
The end of that week finished with our Chamber Awards Soiree with a Mardi Gras theme. We had a fantastic crowd and everyone enjoyed the themed décor.
March is going to come in like a lion and stay active all month, with several chamber events scheduled.
First up, we will host a “Meet and Greet” on March 6 for the new 4-H extension agent and the family nutrition assistant in the chamber office from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
These two people will play a vital role in assisting our community. We hope you will stop by and introduce yourself.
On Tuesday, March 20, we will have a business afterhours and ribbon cutting at Stuart Hill Bed and Breakfast in the Spencer area, from 5 to 7 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be at 6 p.m.
On March 27th, we will host a free Lunch and Learn entitled “Building the foundation for your new Business.” This event is great for those who have just recently started a business or those who want to start a business. The Lunch and Learn will be from noon to 1 p.m. in the chamber office. RSVP by calling (276) 694-6012 or email patcchamber@embarqmail.com.
We will finish out the month with a joint business afterhours, held at Mountain Rose Bed and Breakfast on March 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
It is the start of spring, so events are blooming all over our county just as fast as the daffodils. Keep up to date on all the events by visiting our website’s calendar of events.
New members who joined this month are: Countryside Land Sales, Friendly Investments, LLC, Henry’s Fresh Roast Coffee, and Patrick Springs Park.
For more information on any of our events or to become a member, contact the chamber office at (276) 694-6012. Read more www.patrickchamber.com or visit our new location. We are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment on Friday.
