Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc.
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News & Events
Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc January 2010
In This Issue
Membership Drive
President's Message
Director's Corner
Photography Contest
US Chamber Concerns
Now Hiring
Board of Directors
From Jerry
 
 
Welcome Our Newest Members!

American Wood Fibers
American Wood FIbers
John Patterson
 
Smyth County Animal Hospital
 Dr. Benjamin Halsey
 
Rouse Oil Service
Heather Rouse-Luttrell
Heather Williams
 
SCALE
Joan Bolduc
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List!
Climb Membership Drive in Full Swing 
It's that time again, time to renew your investment in the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc.  The year is just beginning and we have already received investment renewals from many of our members!  It is good to see that so many businesses and individuals continue to support the Chamber and the county. 
This year, the Chamber is stepping things up with our incentive program that we hope will help us reach our membership goals.  Help the Chamber reach its 10% growth goal by referring new members and earn "Chamber Cash" for yourself!  New Membership Applications Now Available Online!
business app. breakfast President's Message
The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County is an organization dedicated to serving our community and its citizens so that we can achieve success together.  We strive to work with the local government, businesses, and civic organizations of the entire county to ensure a prosperous future.  That is why we call on you, our members, to help see that vision through.  We want your vision and passion to drive our organization forward into this shared future.  So, I call on you to offer your ideas and play an active role as we move into 2010. 
I am a long time citizen of Smyth County and have been a Chamber member for the past 55 years.  For the past six years, I have served on the Board of Directors, and I am pleased to extend my tenure for one more year to serve as your President.  I look forward to working with all our members, Board, officers, and staff of the Chamber of Commerce to help make 2010 a year of success for Smyth County.
Director's Corner 
The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County is ready to roll in 2010!  2009 was filled with successful events and 2010 is sure to be exciting.  Most recently we have hosted the Growing Sales Seminar, Annual Dinner Meeting, Holiday Open House, Legislative Breakfast, and Networking Breakfast. 
With increased community presence and event attendance, the leaders of our community are helping the Chamber, and Smyth County, move toward future success. 
Our members are our driving force and we want to hear from you.  Let us know what you would like to see from your Chamber.  Keep us up to date on the growth of your business or organization.  We are here to serve you and are ready to work as a team with our community. 
Give us a call, drop us an e-mail, or stop by the office for a cup of coffee and a chat.  And be on the lookout, because as the new year arrives we will too - at YOUR door!  One of the goals of the Chamber is to have more personal contact with our members, so don't be surprised if we drop in to say hello.
Ice TreeSeasons of Smyth County Photography Contest
The Chamber of Commerce Tourism, Special Events, and Community Action Committee is ready to jump start their 2010 Photography Contest.  The contest is open to anyone with original photographs of Smyth County.  The first submission deadline is for Winter season photographs and will be from January 1 through March 31.  Winners will be chosen from each seasonal deadline and an overall winner will be published as the cover of the Season of Smyth County photo book. 
Discontinued US Chamber Membership
Due to questions and concerns expressed by many of the members of the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc., the Board of Directors has voted to discontinue our membership with the US Chamber of Commerce.  The dues paid to the US Chamber have been refunded to our Chamber and reallocated to local Chamber activities.  If you have questions about this issue, please contact the Chamber office.
The Chamber is Now Hiring
The Chamber of Commerce has an opening for an Administrative Assistant.  This full-time, 4 days per week, position requires excellent communication skills and computer competency including Microsoft Office, Access, and Quickbooks.
Are you interested or know someone who is?  Check out our website for details or call the Chamber office at 276-783-3161.
Deadline for applying is January 15, 2010.
Rhiannon and Dusty PowersBoard of Directors
We would like to extend our many thanks to our Board Members whose terms expired at the end of 2009: Tracy Hall, Dustin Powers, and Danny Rose.  In addition, the Chamber is sad to lose Board Member Laura Sturgill as she moves forward with her career outside of Smyth County.  The service of these individuals has been invaluable to the Chamber.
As the Chamber moves forward into 2010, we would like to welcome new members to the Board of Directors.  Mike Guy of District Three, Heather Luttrell of Rouse Oil, and Rachel Vaughn of BB&T will begin their first terms on the Board this month.  Ken Heath from the Town of Marion will replace Laura Sturgill and complete her term of service.  
Jerry JonesA Message From Jerry
As I turn over the office of Executive Director to Kristin Untiedt-Barnett, I would like to say what a privilege it has been to be in this positionfor the past three years.  This job has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.  As you have heard before, the strength of Smyth County is its people.  And through the Chamber of Commerce I have had the joy of working with so many of them and I have had great experiences with everyone with whom I have come into contact.
In leaving, I would like to congratulate the Board of Directors for the job they have done through the years and, especially, in filling my position.  I know the quality of applicants that came in and the difficult task they had in narrowing it down, but I think they did a fine job in their choice.  I feel confident that, with Kristin and the Board guiding the Chamber, it is in good hands.
I want to thank you again for allowing me to serve as your Director and I wish each and every on of you the best for the future.  Though we are facing uncertain times, I know the people of Smyth County will survive and come out stronger.  As I like to say, it's amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.
business app. breakfast 
CHAMBER CA$H!
Want to earn some extra "cash?"
Make the Most of your Chamber Membership: Help the Chamber to recruit new members and earn "Chamber Cash" for yourself!  For each new individual member you refer you can earn $10 credit and for each business or organization $15.  "Chamber Cash" can be used toward almost any Chamber function, from events to next year's membership!
For more information contact the Chamber office at 276-783-3161.
Upcoming Events
 
SPECIAL ELECTION
Clerk of Circuit Court
January 12, 2010

SMYTH COUNTY COUNTS
Census 2010 Tour "Whistle Stop"
January 13, 2010
12:30-2:30pm
Walmart Parking Lot
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Administrative Assistant Application Deadline
January 15, 2010
5:00pm
 
2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS' PLANNING MEETING
January 19, 2009
 
JOE TENNIS SPEAKS AT MOMA
Museum of the Middle Appalachians
January 24, 2010 
2:00pm

GPS WORKSHOP
Marketing a Virtual World: A GPS Workshop for Small Businesses
Southwest Higher Education Center, Abingdon
February 11, 2010
12:30-3:30pm
 
WNTER NETWORKING BREAKFAST
TBA
March 2010 
 
CENSUS 2010
Census Day
April 1, 2010
 
Looking Forward to an Exciting Year in 2010!
Your membership in the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. is greatly appreciated.   We hope you will continue to be an active member in 2010 and we wish you, your family, and your associates a happy and healthy New Year!
 
Contact the Chamber
Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc.
276.783.3161