“February, the shortest month and the longest month.”
The chamber was happy to have our indoor pop-up market, Buy Your Love Local indoor farmers’ market on Friday, February 7. This event was a partnership of the chamber, Stuart Farmers’ Market and Bull Mountain Arts. Look for our Shamrockin’ with Local on March 14.
We were excited for a new business to come to Main Street in Stuart and hosted a ribbon cutting for Harvest House Emporium on February 14.
The chamber of commerce, along with partners One Family Productions, Stuart Rotary Club, and STEP, Inc., were able to present nearly $5,000 combined for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. These funds help to secure our local chapter of supplying books every month to enrolled children aged 0-5 years old.
The office continues to be busy with finalizing the magazine ads and membership. To those who have already joined, “Thank You.” Without your membership, we would not be able to assist the business and organizational community. If you have not joined or renewed, I ask that you please take time to learn more about what we do and the events that we have planned. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out.
We were also busy with local and regional meetings as we work to set the calendar for educational programming for the coming year. We are adding workshops, roundtables and lunch and learn programs to our calendar so please check those out and sign up for those that are of interest to you. Currently, we have our Cottage Industry Roundtable discussion that will be held on March 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is for businesses that are home-based and looking to grow. We also have Business After Hours scheduled at the high school CTE department on March 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. This networking opportunity will help showcase the great work that our CTE program provides workforce training for the next generation. I am excited to see all the new programs the high school is offering, and I hope that you will join us. Please RSVP online at the chamber website or through our links on Facebook or emails.
Lastly, the chamber is hosting SOVA RISE to discuss business Succession Planning. Small and family-operated businesses are the backbone of our county, and we want to help them start planning for the next steps in succession. This presentation will be held at P&HCC – Stuart location on Wednesday, April 2, at 12 p.m. This event is free, but RSVP is requested. Check out our website for all the events and links to RSVP at www.patrickchamber.com. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the office, (276) 694-6012.
(Adcock is the director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce)
