The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce selected January to officially kickoff its annual Membership Drive, but memberships are accepted any time of the year, according to Rebecca Adcock, executive director.
The chamber is encouraging new members to join and those who currently are reaping the benefits of a membership with the chamber to renew their membership as an investment in your business and/or organization, the community and in the chamber, she said.
Without continued support, the chamber would be unable to partner with Tourism and Economic
Development and encourage growth and development in the Town of Stuart, in Patrick County and surrounding areas, Adcock said.
An active and strong membership allows the chamber to market the community to individuals and businesses already established here and those who are relocating. An active chamber can promote the community to residents and tourists, according to Adcock, who added that member benefits are invaluable assets to every business/organization.
Chamber members have an opportunity to network with other local business owners in the area. Members share information, tips and work together to solve problems. Other tangible benefits of joining the Chamber are (1) Website Listing, (2) Publicity, (3) Website and E-Newsletter Calendar of Events, (4) Discounted Advertisements (news story — WHEO and The Enterprise), (5) Chamber/Visitor’s Center Brochure and Business Card Space, (6) Special Membership Events, (7) Educational Programs, (8) Legislative Advocacy, and much more, she said.
The chamber experienced a busy and productive year in 2019, with accomplishments that include Membership Gala (Business Awards Event), co-hosted several Lunch and Learn opportunities with Longwood Small Business Development Center (Marketing Trends, Grow with Google, Small Business Summer School, Spruce Up Your Marketing Plan for the Holidays, Facebook Deep Dive and other livestream webinars), Business After Hours socials and networking, Waffle Wednesday (a business before work networking event), eight ribbon cuttings for new businesses and new signage, hosted the 2nd Annual Patrick County Business Showcase, promoted the Patrick County Young Professionals Voter Education Forum and 5th Annual Stuart Spooktacular as well as partnering with PCYP to offer professional headshots for business portfolios, social media or websites, Adcock said.
The chamber also hosted Buy Your Love Local Pop Up Farmers Market, the 32nd Annual Peach Festival, promoted and assisted with Love Lights for the Patrick County Alzheimers Group, major supporter of the Apple Dumpling Festival 5k, as well promoting the Town’s Apple Dumpling Festival and Strawberry Festival, sponsored the Patrick County branded playing cards featuring local businesses and organizations, partnered with Patrick County Tourism to create the new 2019 Chamber holiday “LOVE” ornament, participated at the Patrick County Fair and was a first place booth winner, partnered with Reynolds Homestead for the Art to Market program, the JEB Stuart Art Show with the Chamber award as well as participating at the Reynolds Holiday Craft Fair, partnered with the Town of Stuart and promoted Hometown Christmas, Small Business Saturday, the Patrick County Parade, and assisted with the Christmas Bonus Program, Adcock added.
Packets to former members are being mailed out now, but anyone interested also may join and pay online at patrickchamber.com.
