These volunteers are the Chamber’s primary liaisons to membership. They play a vital role in member retention, recruitment and communication. Being a Diplomat provides the volunteer with extended business contacts through active association with other volunteers and members, regular monthly meetings with other Diplomats and Chamber staff, and professional and community recognition for both the volunteers and their firms. The group meets from 12:00 noon to 1 PM on the third Thursday of every month.

These monthly events provide members with the opportunity to network with other members of the business community in an informal social atmosphere. After Hours are held on the second Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 PM and are hosted by different businesses each month. Before Hours are held from 7:30 to 8:30 AM usually on the third Tuesday of the month.

A special event hosted by member businesses, which allows clients, friends, members, and the public the opportunity to ask questions and discover what each business is all about.

Held each January, the Annual Dinner gives members the opportunity to network on a grand scale. This gala event includes a silent auction which showcases member products and services and the announcement of the Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Diplomat of the Year.

This annual event is held in the early spring and showcases various wines and specialty beers for tasting. County Market and Niemann Foods partner with the event.

This breakfast is held on the National Day of Prayer which is the first Thursday in May. The interdemonimational faith event featues an inspirational speaker and the opportunity for attendees to acknowledge the power of prayer and share their faith.

This annual day of golf, contests, food, prizes and fun, traditionally held on the fourth Friday in June, is also a great networking event. Sponsorships at a variety of levels are available as a way to promote your business throughout the day.

This popular social event, held every November, offers an evening of fun, networking and chances to win cash prizes.

Special guest speakers are scheduled to provide information on timely topics and issues of importance to the business community.

The Chamber has numerous functional committees for members to join. Committee involvement provides members the opportunity to network one-on-one with a smaller number of members and to work with people with the same interests and concerns. Committees meet at various times during the year.

If networking and making contacts is one of the main reasons you are considering Chamber membership, then remember that you will have to commit some time to the organization. Whether attending events, joining committees or sponsoring/hosting activities, you will benefit by having your name promoted through the Chamber. Remember, when joining an organization you will only get out of it what you put into it, so get involved and you will reap the benefits.