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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.
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October- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 19 - Cleveland School District, "Showcasing Our Schools" at the Bolivar County Expo 5:30pm-7:00pm
October 23-24 - Dorr Airfield Fly-in
October 24 - Delta State University Football Game 3:00pm "Paint the Stadium Pink"
October 24 - "Pumpkin Painting" at Locals 11:00am-2:00pm
October 25 - To Kill a Mockingbird at the BPAC
October 28 - Breast Cancer Awareness Forum-Delta State University Alumni House 10:00am
October 31 - "Saturday in the Park" - Fireman's Park 1:00pm-4:00pm
October 31 - Delta Arts Alliance Costume Ball and Antiques Auction 8:00pm Please be sure to check the Quick Links in the right column for other events.
 Above: Jubon's cookteam travels from New York, New York to participate in Octoberfest
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| Board Meeting Recap |
Above: Coach Sank Powe receiving the Kossman Award from Bootsie Lyon at the Chamber Banquet.
Eight new members approved for membership:
MS SIDS Alliance
The Lost Dog Pizza
Locals
Air Evac Lifeteam
WABG-TV
Christina's Exquisite Edibles
Telesouth Radio
Partnership Properties
Young Leaders Network: The Young Leaders Network met this week to discuss the organization of the hospitality area at Octoberfest and to formulate a plan for next year's festival.
Marketing and Communications: The Marketing Taskforce had its first meeting and media marketing ideas were discussed in regard to their benefits to the Chamber. The task force will begin meeting monthly.
Education: The Education Committee has been very busy this month. The committee began by assembling the MESS Kits and, with the help of the President's Club, delivered them to each of the high schools in Bolivar County and to the Career Development and Technical Center in Cleveland.
An ACT County-Wide Workshop was held at Delta State University on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th. The workshop was presented by The Princeton Review and coordinated by the Chamber. The cost to each student was $40.00. Participating high schools have been very busy finding ways to raise the money to sponsor their seniors. Approximately 80 students were in attendance. Results from The Princeton Review Workshops have been very impressive.
The Chamber will be hosting a County-Wide College/Career Day in the Walter Sillers Coliseum at Delta State University. This event is being co-chaired by Lucy Janoush and Tracy Portner. Schools, industries, businesses, and various branches of the military will be represented and students will have the opportunity to interact with these groups. That evening, a Financial Aid Workshop will be held in the Jacob Conference Center (formerly the Delta Room) in the Ewing building at Delta State for the parents of graduating seniors. The committee's goal is to give each graduating student a chance to visit a college, university, or career interest of their choice as they plan for their future.
Promotions schedule. : The Promotions Committee held their second meeting Monday morning. The focus of this meeting was to begin organizing the Shine, Shopping & Song holiday promotion. The committee decided to follow last year's successful format.
The Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Initiative at DSU challenged the Chamber to participate in the walking competition with the City and DSU. James Glorioso, President of the Chamber, contacted Mayor Nowell and Dr. Hilpert regarding the Chamber's participation.
Above: The passing of the torch from outgoing president Bootsie Lyon to incoming Chamber president James Glorioso at the Chamber Banquet.
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| Octoberfest |
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Above: Mayor Billy Nowell and Emcee Jim Gregory watch as the Mayor Nowell performs the Lighting of the Grill to kick off the ceremonies.
The 27th Annual Octoberfest was a little wet and wild. Even with the rain, the crowds still came out to hear great music, eat wonderful food, and have loads of fun as they visited with friends and family. There were over 80 arts and crafts vendors on Saturday, and even though it was a little muddy, diehard arts and craft fans prevailed. Vendor concessions sold everything from turkey legs, to pork rinds, to chicken-on-a-stick, and of course, the crowd-pleasing funnel cakes! Friday night's main stage entertainment was provided by Number 2 Band, JamFactor, and Greg Crowe. The rocking and rolling continued Saturday with appearances by DSU's Ole Skool Review and Delta Rox, Duff Durrough and Fish Mickie, and Joe Garcia heating up the stage in the final hours of the festival. Even with the occasional rain, a good time was had by all!!!
  Above are the Grand Champion winners for both the Patio and MBN divisions of Octoberfest. |
| Dedications and Receptions |
 A dedication was held for Former Mayor David Work on September 16, 2009 honoring him with the naming of Cleveland's airport as the David Work Municipal Airport Terminal. This was a culmination of Work's service to the community through the years. The guest speaker for the dedication was Mississippi Department of Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall, who attested to Work's efforts on behalf of the city and airport.
The Cleveland Park Commission was the site for the dedication of the Willard R. Samuels, Jr. Gymnasium on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 6:00PM. A large crowd of well-wishers attended the function which included words to Willard thanking him for his years as a park commission baseball coach from one of his former players, Eddie Lyons. Dr. Aubrey Lucas, a past president of Delta State University, was the very entertaining keynote speaker for the event. Kirkham Povall completed the program by reading a very moving and grateful speech from Willard, the very humble and deserving recipient of this honor. Cleveland has really been fortunate to have men of his caliber not only living in our city, but willing to serve to make Cleveland everything it is today.  A reception honoring Jane Dunlap, Mark Ponder, and George Harrison was held at the Train Depot. These three have dedicated their lives to making Cleveland a more beautiful and comfortable place to live. A large crowd of well wishers attended this function to show their appreciation to this trio for all their years of service to Cleveland. |
| Saturdays in the Park |
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'Saturdays in the Park' on target with Outdoor Rec event
CLEVELAND-"Saturdays in the Park" returned to Bear Pen Park this month for the second in a series of three fall programs. Over 300 students, volunteers and Outdoor Recreation enthusiasts converged on the Cleveland park to enjoy a morning of fishing, archery, ATV safety, campfires and other themed activities.
"I know we say this every time, but today has just been awesome," boasted Delta State University Health, Physical Education & Recreation Chair Tim Colbert. "We have been able to teach these students new techniques and expose them to different activities and outlets they may have been previously unaware of - all while having so much fun! I know there wasn't a kid I saw out here that didn't have a huge smile on their face."
Participants were able to try their hand at cane-pole fishing, archery, BB guns, slack lines, an ATV safety obstacle course and an entomological exhibit.
Students were also able to roast their own hot dogs and s'mores over the campfire, all while learning the benefits of a waste-free lifestyle. "We are using all paper products today - paper cups, paper plates, paper napkins. We want to be able to leave this park today with absolutely no waste, and we are teaching the children that when camping you can use paper products and burn those before you leave the campsite. It's just another example of the lifestyle choices we are exposing participants to today." A collaborative effort between Delta State University's College of Education and its Health, Physical Education & Recreation Department and Division of Family & Consumer Sciences, the Center for Community and Economic Development and the School of Nursing, in cooperation with Cleveland School District, Cleveland Park Commission and the Leaders of Delta Health & Wellness, the next "Saturdays in the Park" is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Fireman's Park and will feature an "Arts & Dance" theme. The event is free and open to all ages. For more information on "Saturdays in the Park," please contact the Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation at (662) 846-4555 or the Cleveland Park Commission at (662) 846-6605. To become involved with Saturdays in the Park, please contact saturdaysinthepark@live.com.  Above: Children learn about insects at Saturdays in the Park. | |
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Member Spotlight |
Please Support and Congratulate our newest members! Lost Dog Pizza Lost Dog Pizza is a brand new and exciting restaurant with locations in Indianola, MS and Cleveland, MS, the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Lost Dog Pizza provides an experience and atmosphere unlike any other restaurant in the Delta! At our establishment, you'll find a warm atmosphere full of personality and a welcoming staff ready to serve and assist you. We look forward to seeing you soon! MS SIDS AllianceThe Mississippi SIDS Alliance, Inc., provides support services to families who are or may be touched by the tragedy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The Alliance also provides training and education on SIDS and Safe Sleep environment to professionals, low socioeconomic communities/individuals and to the disadvantaged high risk populations. The Mississippi SIDS Alliance also supports research to help find a cure for this devastating syndrome. WABG-TV
The success of WABG-TV is fully based on the quality and focus of its programming. ABC affiliate programming and quality syndicated programming like Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Phil, combined with an award winning newscast, are the keys to WABG-TV's continued success in the market place. WABG-TV boasts a vast distribution area that reaches 36 counties in 3 states and ensures the success of your advertising efforts. WABG-TV's cable coverage alone reaches over 95,000 cable subscribers who comprise a very diverse audience - male, female, black, white, young and old. We maintain the attention of our viewers by broadcasting programs that appeal to everyone. With over four decades of serving the residents of the Mississippi Delta, WABG-TV remains the number one choice for television entertainment. Our many viewers translate into potential clients. LocalsLocals, LLC opened in the Warehouse District in September of 2009 in downtown Cleveland. Locals features local artists' works in various types of media such as paintings, pottery, photography and sculptures, as well as handmade soaps, candles, crosses, jewelry, scarves and t-shirts. Their featured artists also host numerous classes such as Clay Day, "Inspired by the Masters" painting class, and also knitting classes. Other classes offered are wine and appetizer pairing, the art of belly dancing, and hip hop for kids as well as adults. Locals will also host your birthday parties and will provide all the items to make your party really special. Please stop in and see what they have to offer at 118 East Sunflower Road, Suite B or call them at 662-846-6186. Christina's Exquisite EdiblesChristina's has moved to a new location at 110 North Sharpe inside Heidi's. In addition to Christina's signature products, she is now offering daily hot lunch specials or sandwich plates, each served with a homemade dessert. She has homemade salads, pimento cheese, egg and olive, homemade Italian casseroles, and a wonderful dessert freezer. Stop in and see what else they have to offer or give them a call at 662-719-2362. She is open from 9:30am-5:30pm. Air Evac LifeteamSince 1985, Air Evac Lifeteam has provided emergency medical transportation to more than 195,000 residents of rural America. Air Evac operates 88 bases in 14 states across the central and southern United States. Air Evac medical specialists are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to medical emergencies. We work closely with emergency service agencies in this area to coordinate care for our patients. Our goal is to be a resource to call upon when emergency transport to a higher level of care is needed. Air Evac is the largest privately owned aero medical service in the United States. At this time we have three bases in Mississippi: Corinth, Batesville and Greenville. Air Evac is a member-based company with approximately 900,000 members. This allows Air Evac to locate in rural areas where the need for rapid transport is critical. For further information about Air Evac Lifeteam visit www.lifeteam.net. Partnership PropertiesPartnership Properties is a new real estate office in Cleveland offering residential, commercial, and agricultural land sales. Broker owners are Billy Nowell (managing broker), Jane Ellen Bobitt, Libbi Logan, and Robin McKnight. They bring a combined 51 years experience to the job. Their goal is to draw on their individual strengths to serve every client to the fullest. "We really want people to think less about hiring an individual agent, and more about hiring a team of professional to help them with their real estate needs", said Logan. The agency is looking to marry the time-tested results of good communication and service with newer technologies that appeal to many buyers like social media and a strong web presence. Partnership Properties is also making a commitment to the community. Nowell added, "We all have a history of giving back to our community, and collectively as a business we feel a strong obligation to make our city the best place in the Delta to live, work, and make a home." For more information about Partnership Properties, contact the office at 662-843-8850 or visit their website at www.partnershipprop.com. Telesouth Radio
TeleSouth Broadcasting, a Mississippi corporation owned by a Mississippian, headquartered in Jackson, owns and operates the Mississippi Network, the Southern Urban Network, and the Mississippi Agri-News Network. TeleSouth Broadcasting's networks are similar to ABC, CBS and CNN radio news networks. The major difference is that our Network News team focuses on Mississippi news, first and foremost. Each hour across the state when you hear your local radio station say, It's time now for Mississippi News", chances are very good that it's coming to you via digital satellite from our news bureau offices in the capital city of Jackson, Mississippi. Hometown radio stations have been relying on the services of the Mississippi News Network, the Southern Urban Network, and the Mississippi Agri-News Network for over 25 years. During that time we've become one of the largest state networks in the nation. The Networks combined offer impressive statewide coverage from close to 69 hometown radio stations. Technically speaking, we were the first state network in the nation to upgrade our system to total digital transmission. In long-form programming, we produce and syndicate several live talk-show programs such as "Weekend Gardening", "High School Scoreboard" and the "Coaches' Call-In Shows". |
| Letter From The Board |
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Dear Members,
Octoberfest 2009 was great - even with the rain. I heard many good remarks from our out of town guests and what a great job the Chamber staff did. Brian Blansett was great as the flying pig at the lighting of the grill. Our Chamber staff has Octoberfest down to a fine art.
On behalf of the City of Cleveland, thank you for your outstanding job.
Very Truly,
Billy Nowell
Mayor |
| Ribbon Cuttings |
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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.
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| New Service Offered |
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Frances Pantin Janoush is now a Notary Public and would like to help with any notary needs you may have.
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