VisitFlorida Nature Tourism Insider to Speak at January Lunch Exchange
|  Kevin Mims, right, VisitFlorida's Nature Tourism Insider, will discuss how Sumter County can better promote its wealth of natural attractions at the January Chamber Lunch Exchange on Wednesday, January 11.
Mims is a freelance writer and videographer, and spends most of his days exploring Florida's natural wonders from a kayak, a bike or rambling down a hiking trail. A Florida native living in Citrus County, he's always sharing stories, photos and videos. |
The Lunch Exchange begins at 11:30am. Wildwood Country Resort is at 1504 Heritage Blvd. in Wildwood. The cost to attend is $12 for members and $18 for non members and RSVP is required. Email assistant@sumterchamber.org or call 352-793-3099 to reserve your seat. Don't forget to ask how to get premium exposure in the Member Midway.
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Florida's Minimum Wage to Increase January 1
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Florida's minimum hourly wage will jump 4.9 percent to $7.67 an hour. That becomes an extra $14.40 for a 40-hour week for a total gross pay of $306.80 for the week. That adds up to annual pay of $15,953.60. The minimum hourly wage for tipped employees jumps to $4.65.
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CenterState Bank is taking advantage of the Chamber's
Best-Kept Secret!
You Can Too!
CenterState advertises on the Chamber's Time and Temperature telephone service (352-568-8367). More than 1,000 callers check the time and temperature each month. That makes advertising on the service a great marketing tool for your business.
The chamber has new advertising opportunities: on Time and Temperature, on the chamber website, and on this newsletter. Ad prices fit any business' budget but availability is limited. Contact Andy Cripps at the chamber at (352) 793-3099 or via e-mail.
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Sumter County Chamber E-News
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Chamber offices will will be closed Monday, December 26, and Monday, January 2.
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Sumter Chamber Seeks Nominations for Business/Industry Awards
The Sumter County Chamber is seeking nominations for its annual Business & Industry Awards, to be presented at the Annual Meeting and Installation Dinner on January 20, 2012, 6:30pm at Lakeside Landings Clubhouse.
We are accepting nominations for:
- Outstanding Sumter County large business/industry of 2011* (81+ employees)
- Outstanding Sumter County small business/industry of 2011* (1-80 employees)
- Outstanding Sumter County non-profit of 2011*
- Chamber volunteer of 2011*
- Outstanding Sumter County Chamber Citizen of 2011:
- 2011 Beautification Award (Commercial)*
- 2011 Beautification Award (Retail)*
*Nominee must be a chamber member in good standing.
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Governmental Affairs
Florida Chamber Releases Its 2012 Legislative Agenda
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has released its Business Agenda for the 2012 Legislative Session. The state chamber's goals include:
- Make Florida the No. 1 private-sector job creator,
- Create a competitive and stable insurance market,
- Double Florida-origin exports and further diversify Florida's economy,
- Reduce burdensome regulations on Florida's businesses,
- Create a competitive business climate in the global marketplace, and more.
Read More Here>>
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Plan Ahead and Get Extra Exposure: Promote Your Business with Chamber Sponsorships
 The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce offers many opportunities for you to increase your businesses visibility and improve your image by sponsoring chamber events. The chamber has published a guide to sponsoring chamber events, and advertising on its website and e-newsletter. Click Here to Download the Sponsorship Guide>>
It makes sense to plan now for sponsoring chamber events in 2012. Chamber membership and sponsorship sets you apart from your competition and helps you stand out as a community leader. According a research study by The Shapiro Group and Market Street:
- When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
- When consumers know a restaurant is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40% more likely to eat at the restaurant in the next few months.
- When consumers know an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 43% more likely to consider buying insurance from it.
- If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber, consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition. Those consumers infer that the company is trustworthy, involved in the community, and is an industry leader.
Review the chamber sponsorship options and choose a package that meets your company's needs. Business that support the chamber's mission at higher levels, receive additional recognition and promotion.
For more information about sponsoring chamber events, contact Samantha Merritt, Membership Representatrive at 352-793-3099 or e-mail her at membership@sumterchamber.org. |
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Remember, our chamber of commerce is here to serve you and your business. If you have a suggestion for how we can help, please call us at 352-793-3099 or e-mail us at sumter-coc@sumterchamber.org.
Sincerely,
Andrew Cripps, Executive Director
Sumter County Chamber of Commerce
 
Visit our website at
www.sumterchamber.org
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