Chamber kicks off 2001 membership drive

MOULTRIE -- The Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce will kick off its 2001 Membership Drive Tuesday, Aug. 28, and it will run through Aug. 30.

Chamber President Darrell Moore said this membership campaign has a goal exceeding 200 new members.

"We want to invite area businesses and individuals to join the chamber," Moore said. "We have a winning team that works year-round to make the entire Colquitt County area the best place to live, visit, and conduct business in the state of Georgia."

Six teams of volunteers will be inviting prospective members to join. Team captains for the membership campaign will be: Karen Thompson, of American Banking Company; Bobby Browning, of Browning Brass Key Realty; Ronnie Reagin, of the Moultrie Housing Authority; Steve Clark, of the Georgia Department of Labor; Larry Blanton, of Moultrie Insurance Agency; and Jana Wiggins, the chamber's executive director. "This is really the best time to join the chamber," said Wiggins. "The Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber is active on each and every front -- from tourism to retail to workforce development and agribusiness. Our chamber touches almost every aspect of our community's quality of life."

The chamber publishes a business directory listing the organization's entire membership at no charge to the members. Those members who join during the membership drive will be included in the newest directory.

The chamber also offers numerous membership events such as the Business After Hours and monthly membership lunches where members are able to network with others in the business community. The organization also provides an opportunity for involvement in several committees and projects.

The chamber is the "front door" for the county business community, noted Wiggins.

"Our promotional opportunities and networking abilities are among the best marketing tools our members have," she added.

One of the most tangible advantages of being a chamber member is its referral system, she said.

"If someone inquires about a service or type of business, we refer the person to those businesses listed in our membership," Moore explained. "And we only refer chamber members."

In order to sustain and expand the chamber's current programs, chamber officials decided the upcoming membership campaign would be the best way to do that.

"Prospective members should keep in mind that our dues are below the national average for a community our size," Moore said. "Businesses really do get a competitive edge by being chamber members. But they have to join to take advantage of what we have to offer."

-- Staff Reports