Chamber Outlook 2012
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| Staff and board members of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce are: (from left) front, Penny Rutherford Administrative Assistant, Penny Daugherty VP Operations, Jill Rafferty Treasurer, Heather DeMint President, Dana Keller Director, Josh Hanley President Elect, Melanie Oetting VP Community Betterment and Civic Affairs; middle, Tony Robertson Past President, Stacy Dick VP Business Services, Major General Robert Flanagan, Connie Maxwell-Cox, Lacey Ralls, Russell Runge, Teresa Douglass-Peck, Kelly Smith; back, Tracy Graham, Jeff Kendall, Tim Seidel, Bruce Slagle, Steve Hobbs, Charles Duckworth, Scott Wilburn, Not Pictured: Larry Weber VP Economic Development, Ron Loesch, Patrick Kelly, A.J. Probst, Darren Stice, Tina VanHorn, Tina Woolsey, Robin Lightfoot and Carey Case. |
Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce
The employment of a new administrative assistant, an increase in membership, the formation of a Student Ambassadors group and building renovations highlighted the year for the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce. "Penny Rutherford is our new administrative assistant, and she is doing a remendous job," Chamber Executive Director Dana Keller said. Rutherford assists with Chamber activities as well as bookkeeping and other tasks, such as maintaining the membership roll. The membership of the Chamber has grown to more than 400 in the past year.
In May, a 14-member Student Ambassador group formed, following applications. The high school students form a diverse group, and are available to greet prospective residents and assist with activities such as the Santa Train. "The Student Ambassadors are prepared to visit with parents and students visiting in the schools or community," Keller said. "They are able to give information from their unique point of view."
The building which houses the Chamber, the former Commerce Bank, is presently undergoing renovation. The original marble has been left on the floor in the center of the building, and new carpeting installed around the perimeter. Some of the furniture has been recovered, and new signage placed on the building.
"One of the projects we are working on is the possible replacement of the threesided clock that used to be outside on the corner," Keller said. "We are looking into the cost of constructing a similar clock." Keller also said the Chamber is working closer with the city and county governments in taking more responsibility in promoting Mexico and Audrain County.
Chamber members are prepared to lead tours and answer questions. "These personalized tours and visits let visitors see the advantage of living here and not just the physical community," she said.
In a continuing effort, the Chamber's 3/50 project has shown positive results since its inception in May, 2010. The program promotes shopping locally, where spending $50 in three local businesses can move the economy in a positive direction. "We don't claim to be responsible, of course, but the sales tax revenue has been up every month except for one since the program began," Keller said.
Other events continuing to be sponsored by the Chamber are the Legislative breakfasts and the State of the Community event. "This year was our third event," Keller said. "Our participation and attendance have both increased. This event is so important because the information helps everyone become an ambassador for the community."
The Chamber of Commerce also is active in providing education activities for students. A new program this year was CHECS (Community Helps Encourage Career Service), coordinated by Dave Buhr. The program, for Mexico High School students allowed them to discover that no matter what their career interests are, nearly every occupation requires some type of training. "It's also important for them to understand the global economy, as there are opportunities with technology to work globally right here from Mexico, Missouri," Keller said. The program coordinated with Missouri Military Academy to host a discussion with a group of international peers. Returning programs were the Reality Store for middle school students and the Leadership in Practice program which identifies leaders among freshmen and sophomore students.
This is also the year for the Chamber's bi-annual Leadership Mexico Program, a six-month program exploring city and county government, education system,
historical roots, medical community, agriculture and industry of the area. |
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