Chamber Logo
July, 2009 Vol 1, Issue 7
The Chamber Update
Keeping You In Touch
Mission Statement

 The Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing the civic, commercial, industrial, economic, social, and general interest of the people of Cleveland and Bolivar County.  It shall encourage the growth of existing industries and businesses while giving all proper assistance to any new firms or individuals seeking to locate in Cleveland and Bolivar County. This organization will support all those activities believed to be beneficial to the community and the area and will oppose those which might be detrimental. And in general, the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce shall follow always those policies intended to accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number.

 Upcoming Events
 
July 11th & 12th - Girl's T-Ball & Coach Pitch
 
July 11th - 14th  -  Two hundred eighty-eight Teach for America corps members will arrive throughout the day on Saturday the 11th.  On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the corps members will have workshops and various day activities. They are staying at Delta State University.

July 17th - 22nd - State 7 & 8 Year Old Boy's Coach Pitch Tournament - 18 teams
July 19th - 22th - New Life Ministries Annual Meeting - over 1,000 will be staying in the Cleveland area.
 
July 23rd - 26th - State Swim Meet at DSU
 
Aug 1st - A Memphis BBQ Network judging certification class take place at the Moose Lodge.  Applications are available at the Chamber.
 
Aug. 21st - 23rd - Senior Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament
 
Please be sure to check the Quick Links in the right column for other events.

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Above: Russell Gainspoletti and Steve Davis speak with our recently retired Mayor David Work at a reception honoring Work, the late Norman Burke and Willard Samuels.
Board Meeting Recap
  
 

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Above: Dr. Macklyn Hubble and his wife, Bette, speak with retired alderman Willard Samuels at a reception honoring Work, the late Norman Burke and Samuels.
 
Three new members approved for membership:
 
Vicki Fioranelli
Emily Havens
Mississippi Consignment Sales
 
The Young Leaders Network: The second meeting of the Young Leaders Network, held at the Warehouse on July 2, 2009, was a success. We had about thirty in attendance and have already picked up three new members and are expecting more to join.  
 
Marketing and Communications Committee: This committee is being formed to oversee the website updates and provide feedback for newsletters and email blasts.  The committee will also plan and execute ideas to better market the Chamber to the community.
 
Community Development: The State Exchange Club Meeting was held the weekend of June 19th through the 21st.   We organized an "after hours" event that included the musical talents of Danny Abraham and Alphonso Sanders in the gazebo, as well as local artists displaying their art in a number of the downtown stores  The merchants provided snacks and drinks from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.  Despite the heat, the event was well attended.  We have several events coming up in July and August expected to attract lots of visitors to Cleveland.  We will again meet with local merchants to determine if an "after hours" event will be held in conjunction with the July and August events.
 
The Chamber also fed twenty of the past-presidents of the Exchange Club and their wives on Sunday, June 21st  at the cabin of Lucy and Paul Janoush at Victoria Bend on the river at Rosedale.  It was very well received.

Education: An Education Committee Board has been established and met for the first time on Wednesday, June 24th.  The Education Committee is comprised of teachers, counselors, and superintendents who will supply the Chamber of Commerce with information concerning the needs of area schools.  The Education Committee Board will prioritize these needs and communicate them to the agencies or businesses capable of providing the required assistance.  We will be collecting items or donations for items to stock M.E.S.S. kits to be distributed to each high school in Bolivar County.  The M.E.S.S. kits will contain notebooks, pencils, pens, personal hygiene items, and extra clear or mesh backpacks.  
 
Team Cleveland: Anne Dillworth, Libbi Logan, Gary and Jamey Gainspoletti, Linda Collins, Diane Makamson, and Michael Aguzzi attended the MS Main Street Awards Luncheon last month in Jackson. The Italian Festival of Mississippi won the MS Main Street award for "Best Creative Fund-Raiser".  Gary Gainspoletti and Michael Aguzzi accepted the award on behalf of Team Cleveland.

 
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Above: Chamber President Bootsie Lyon reads a Resolution for the late Norman Burke as his wife stands by to receive it on his behalf at a reception honoring Burke, David Work and Willard Samuels.
Artists...Show off at the Chamber!!!
jbj 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We recently extended an invitation to our local artists to display their art (for sale if they wish) at the Chamber.  We would like for our visitors to see our local talent. Our first piece of art, provided by Jo Beth Janoush, is displayed proudly in the reception area of the Chamber.  We would like to add many, many more to our "collection".  Just bring a piece of your work with your card attached and a price and we will do the rest!  Your Chamber of Commerce supports Cleveland and all of Bolivar County, so please consider adding to our "Local Talent" section with your artwork.
B.E.E.P.
 
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In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Recap
Artists
B.E.E.P. Basketball Tourney
Member Spotlight
Letter From the Executive Board
Ribbon Cuttings
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

 Member Spotlight

 Please Support and Congratulate our members!
   
Vicki Fioranelli
 
Emily Havens
 
Mississippi Consignment Sales 
Mississippi Consignment Sales is a business which specializes in putting buyers and sellers together. They offer low commission rates to sell your farm equipment, construction equipment, automobiles, trucks, classic cars and trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, watercraft, campers/motor homes, golf carts, and miscellaneous items. They also offer a no cost locator service for items that you need but we do not have on our premises. Economical pick-up and delivery service is available throughout Mississippi and surrounding states. Mississippi consignment sales also has safe and desirable storage spaces available for rent for your watercraft, campers, motor homes, and etc. Do not forget to look for their special monthly auctions. Mississippi Consignment Sales is located at 601 E. Sunflower Rd. in the old John Deere location.The telephone number is 662-843-3388 and they are open Monday-Saturday 7:30am-5:30pm.
 
Delta Dining Restaurants
ARAMARK, DSU Dining, has been a partner of Delta State University since July 1, 2004 offering casual dining, catering, and concessions to the Delta State campus and its community. Our purpose is to exceed our client's expectations in all that we do, while making their experience memorable on campus and in the community.  We openly invite the public to come and join us at Young Mauldin for a meal, use our catering service for a family gathering or party, or participate in our concessions while enjoying Delta State Athletics.  We are glad to be able to serve the Delta State Campus and Community, and look forward to getting to know you. Please visit our website www.www.dsudining.com for further information.
 
The Southern Grill
Southern Grill will celebrate 8 years on August 7th this year. I am thankful to all the wonderful customers for making us what we are today! We have won many awards including Mississippi's best buffet in 2007 in Mississippi Magazine! We do everything--from our wonderful breakfast and lunch buffets to a full sandwich menu and the largest salad bar in town! Also private parties of 50 to 250 can be booked for any occasion! Hope to see you soon at The Southern Grill 308 E Carpenter St.  Locally owned by Debbie Holder.
 
A la Carte Alley
A la Carte Alley, located on Court Street across the street from the old Ellis Theatre and Mudppuddles,serves a variety of lunch items 6 days a week.  Come in or pick up one of our many choices of salads or sandwiches, paninis or wraps, soups or side dishes from 11am to 2pm Monday through Friday.  While you are there take a peek at some of the gift items and gourmet foods in our gift shop open from 11-3 during the summer.  We also offer sides, salads, and sauces by the bulk, or if you need to serve a group, we have several sandwich trays to choose from.
 
The Warehouse
The Warehouse is located at 229 N. Sharpe Ave. in Cleveland.  We open for lunch at 11:00 and close at 3:00. Also Dinner service begins at 5:30 and ends at 9:00. We offer a full bar with great wine and beer selections as well as lots of fun Martinis.  Bar hours are 5:00-10:00PM.  The Warehouse offers a unique atmosphere and music.  It is casual, yet cosmopolitan.  Our dinner menu consists of regional cuisine, such as catfish cakes and shrimp and grits, amazing burgers, steaks and fish.  Plan your next dinner or special event at The Warehouse.
 
Back Yard Burgers
Back Yard Burgers began right here in Cleveland.  Nick Griffith, Jr. was working at BYB from the beginning until 2005 when he and  his brother David decided to purchase the Cleveland Store.  BYB has built their brand based on the concept of true quality food each and every time.  Along with our fresh salads and grilled chicken sandwiches, our 1/3 pound black angus burgers cannot be beaten.  It is just like cooking them in your own backyard. In addition to the Cleveland location, David, Nick, and the family own the Clarksdale store and recently purchased The Roof Neighborhood Grill.  
 
The Roof
The Roof is a family restaurant which specializes in good food, good prices, and good times.  Our menu offers a wide variety of fish, chicken, and pasta dishes as well as sandwiches.   Don't forget our great steaks cooked to order, including filets and the Bone-in-Ribeye, a local favorite.  We offer a number of low-cost options as well.  Come watch the game and grab a dozen of our spectacular Hot Wings in your choice of sauces.  Don't forget our custom- made desserts and soups.  For something a little lighter, try out the salads with our own homemade dressings.  We are open Monday through Saturday and Happy Hour is M-F from 4:30 - 7:00.  
 
Western Sizzlin
Come on in and eat with us at Western Sizzlin! Our delightful staff, delicious food, and newly remodeled building assures you a great dining experience.  Whether you are in the mood for a juicy steak or our wonderful variety of food cooked with some Southern soul on our buffet, we are sure you will find the foods you crave at Western Sizzlin! 
 
Letter From The Executive Board
 
 
Dear Members,
 
As chair of TEAM Cleveland Main Street, my volunteer role has been to coordinate activities that enhance and promote our local businesses with an emphasis on the downtown.  A lot of people ask me why we put such a high priority on our downtown area.   I think that our downtown's beauty and vitality positively impact EVERY business in Cleveland and even Bolivar County, because our uniqueness as a community is tied to the downtown.  Just think, would the appeal of events like Octoberfest be as great if the downtown buildings were all dilapidated and boarded up?  Would the dozens of people who walk on the walking track downtown everyday want to do that if they weren't able to enjoy the beautiful landscaping and attractive businesses?  Would our sales tax revenue continue to be strong even in a sour economy if our downtown businesses weren't there?  If our downtown business owners weren't successful, would the service businesses that serve them be able to stay in business.  Finally, in my view, I believe that having a vibrant and successful downtown gives residents like myself the pride of being "from Cleveland" and the motivation to volunteer to preserve and improve what we have.
 
I have truly enjoyed volunteering and helping to make events like the Christmas Open House and the other holiday promotions a success.  The other project that I am very proud of is the purchase of the banners for Highway 61 directing visitors to our downtown shopping and dining area. 
 
I would encourage all of the membership to find a place in the Chamber to volunteer.   It has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me.
 
Libbi Logan
Chair TEAM Cleveland Main Street 2007-2009 
Ribbon Cuttings
 
 
The Chamber offers ribbon cuttings for grand openings and grand re-openings. If you would like to schedule a ribbon cutting please contact Anne Dilworth at 662-843-2712.
 
 

 
 
Thank You,
Brian Blansett
Marketing and Communications Director
Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce
 

Contact us:

Judson Thigpen-Executive Director

Anne Dilworth-Team Cleveland and Special Events Coordinator