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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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November 17 -Bolivar County HABITAT FOR HUMANITY soup & cornbread fundraiser 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church
December 3 - CLEVELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE!! 5:30 pm
December 10 - Chamber Open House 4:30pm-6:30pm
Please be sure to check the Quick Links in the right column for other events.
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Above: Characters from the Nutcracker in costume at Christmas Open House |
| Board Meeting Recap |
Above: The turnout of shoppers was great this year for the Christmas Open House.
Seven new members approved for membership:
Helen Williams
Andy's 5th Avenue Quickstop
Trim Studio, Inc.
AutoMark of Cleveland
First Class Check Advance of Cleveland
Bolivar Tire and Alignment, LLC
Robert T. Ragan, D.D.S.
The Young Leaders Network met on November 12, to discuss a membership drive as well as to further discuss a Chamber blog and social media.
Marketing Task Force will be meeting in November to continue discussions on the marketing plan and advertising opportunities.
Troop Support & President's Club: The President's Club helped to send the first "goodie boxes" to 33 men and women serving overseas.
The Education Committee sponsored an ACT Preparatory Workshop on October 3 & 4th. The workshop, which was presented by The Princeton Review, was open to students from all schools in the Bolivar County area, both public and private. Those in attendance found the workshop extremely helpful. The workshop was held all day on Saturday and from 2 to 5 on Sunday at a cost of $40.00 per student. A number of the school counselors found funds or petitioned their board to provide the funds to cover the student costs. The committee will investigate the possibility of individuals or businesses sponsoring a student for this workshop in the future. Not all schools contacted chose to participate.
The student participation from the schools was as follows:
East Side High School - 27
Cleveland High School - 7
Shaw High School - 19
Broadstreet High School - 18
Bayou Academy - 4
Pillow Academy - 1
North Sunflower Academy - 1
West Bolivar High School - 0
John F. Kennedy High School - 0
Ray Brooks High School - 0
Students who attended the workshop have requested another one for the Spring. The Education Committee Board will meet to discuss the possibility of providing another workshop and of including more schools in Bolivar County.
November 12th, the Chamber hosted a County-Wide College/Career Day for all high school seniors in Boivar County both public and private, at the Walter Sillers Coliseum at Delta State University. Lucy Janoush and Tracy Portner co-chaired this event. Colleges, universities, businesses, industries, and military service representatives were available to talk with those students in attendance. The College/Career Day also Included a Financial Aid Workshop at 6PM in the Jacob Conference Center in the Ewing Hall. This workshop was led by Heather Roberts of Education Service Foundation. All parents of high school juniors and seniors were encouraged to attend the financial aid workshop.
The Leadership Bolivar County Committee met and applications have been mailed. If you need information or would like to attend, call the Chamber office.
Cleveland Cash: The Chamber is introducing a new program - Cleveland Cash. The Chamber is selling certificates that can be used in Cleveland only. Contact the Chamber for more info.
Holiday Promotions: The promotions committee continues to meet on a regular basis. Plans are to keep the Holiday Promotion format similar to last year's, which would include downtown entertainment, a children's movie to be shown on Hey Joe's outdoor screen, a Gingerbread House and cookie contest, children's shopping night, pictures with Santa, and many more enjoyable holiday activities. The schedule is included in this newsletter. Additional activities could be included later.
Economic Restructuring: Southern Homes of Holly Springs has opened an office on Cotton Row. Backdraft Restaurant on Cotton Row will open the first of December.
Above: A look inside Clark Jewelry at their wonderful decorations for Christmas Open House.
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| Holiday Promotions |
Above: Shoppers browse Heidi's merchandise for Christmas gifts or occassions during the Christmas Open House.
Holiday Schedule
Nov 19th - Demo & Display Night, Extended shopping at participating stores 5-7 pm
* Heidi's - 5:30 * "personalizing items with appliqué & monograms"
* Cotton Row Books - 5:30 * Children's Book Reading
* Punkin patch - 6:00 * Best Toys 2009 Demonstration
* Hallmark - 6:00 * Book Reading - "the Night Before Christmas"
* Locals - 6:00 -7:00 * Adult pottery class (Call ahead)
* Kutworks - 5-7 pm * Holiday party hair
* Hey Joe's -6:00 * "ELF" movie
Nov 21st - Door Buster (pre-Thanksgiving early bird sales)
DON'T FIGHT THE CROWDS!!!
o 10-20% off at most downtown stores - check individual stores for more details.
Nov 28th - Pictures w/ Santa at the gazebo
o 10-12 am & 1-3 pm
o $5/ per child
Dec 3rd - Christmas Parade (no extended shopping)
Dec 5th - Live Music Downtown * Brandi Ward
Dec 10th -
o Extended shopping at participating stores from 5-7pm
Carriage Rides Downtown
o Book Reading @ Cotton Row Books AT 5:30 pm
Dec 12th - Children's shopping Day
o Special Display's of gifts from $5-20 in each stores perfect kid's to do their shopping!
o Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Contest
Dec 17th - choir performances, caroling
o Children's book reading @ Cotton Row Books 5:30 pm
Dec 19th - Animal Shelter Donation Boxes
o Bring your donation of pet food to a downtown merchant and give back this holiday season!!!
Above: Volunteers assist people in signing up for our latest promotion, "Cleveland Cash". Winners received a $10 free dollars of Cleveland Cash. |
| Saturdays in the Park |
'Saturdays in the Park' makes mark with 'Arts, Music' event
CLEVELAND-Despite losing the "Park" part of its moniker to unforgiving and relentless October rains, "Saturdays in the Park" celebrated another success in its growing list of completed events.
Relocated to the drier confines of Wyatt Gymnasium on Delta State University's campus, October's "Saturdays in the Park" happening featured an "Arts and Music" theme, with games, crafts, music and dance.
There were collaborative and instructed art activities designed for Pre-K thru 8th grade students, as well as treats and balloons.
The wildly popular Mr. Watermelon Head provided live entertainment on the day.
Also on the line-up, the Delta Music Institute will get feet tapping at 2:30 p.m.
"Saturdays in the Park" is a collaborative effort between Delta State University's College of Education and its Health, Physical Education & Recreation Department, in cooperation with the Division of Family & Consumer Sciences, the Center for Community and Economic Development, the Cleveland School District, the Cleveland Park Commission and the Leaders of Delta Health & Wellness.
The event is officially recognized by the Healthy Campus/Community Initiative and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation.
For more information on "Saturdays in the Park," please contact the Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation at (662) 84
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Member Spotlight |
Please Support and Congratulate our newest members!
Helen Williams
Trim Studio, LLC
The Delta's new place to go for the latest styles and trendz in hair and nail fashion.... Trim Studio LLC., owned and operated by Charlie Brooke Washington. Also here in the shop are stylists Lillie Holcomb and Anne Cobb. We strive here at Trim Studio to stay up-to-date with all the latest trendz in hair fashion. To stay in this business, you have to stay up-to-date... We offer anything from haircuts, color, foils, hi-lites, lo-lites, straightners, perms, manicures, pedicures, and so much more. We also carry your exclusive products such as Sahag, Aquage, Woody's , Essie and much more. Sold only here and not in your local chain stores, these are the products you can find in all the top magazines in today's fashion world. We would love for you to stop by and see us @ 1104 B W. Sunflower in Cleveland, Ms 38732.....or contact us @ 662-843-2900.
Andy's 5th Avenue Quickstop
Andy's 5th Avenue Quickstop is a one stop shop for most of your daily needs in a quick and convenient location at 101 S. Fifth Ave. close to Delta State University. Owner Aman Patel is happy to serve you and is open seven days a week; Monday-Wednesday from 6:30am-11:00pm, Thursday-Friday from 6:30am-12:00am, Saturday from 7:30am-12:00am and Sunday 9:30am-11:00pm. Stop by or give them a call at 662-846-0440
AutoMark of Cleveland
AutoMark of Cleveland is our newest addition to the community. It is co-owned by Mark Robinette and David Chiz and is located at 616 N Davis Ave. right beside State Bank & Trust. They will be carrying used cars and trucks in the $4,000-$14000 price range. Mark brings 16 years of automobile experience home to Cleveland in order to help take care of our area's auto needs. Mark says " He's never been able to sell a car by telling someone NO. My slogan is when the big boys say NO, I'll say YES."
Bolivar Tire and Alignment LLC
Bolivar Tire and Alignment has new owners...Dave and Ted Alford...and they want you to come on by and meet John Chablin, the new manager. They think you'll be impressed with their complete service department and especially their full-time mechanics. And when you start looking around at tires, you'll see only the best tires for all types of vehicles. And don't worry about payments...they've got 12 months same as cash at Bolivar Tire and Alignment. That's Bolivar Tire and Alignment...843-5151...South Street, Cleveland.
Robert T. Ragan, D.D.S.
Ragan Dental Services is here to help with all your dentistry needs. They handle routine cleanings, root canals, fillings, teeth whitening, as well as most of your other dentistry needs. They are located at 216 North Pearman Ave. in Cleveland. Stop by or give them a call at 662-843-2431.
First Class Check Advance
First Class Check Advance is now open and servicing the people of the Delta with their check advance needs. They are open from 9-5 on Monday - Friday and owner Todd Ashley wants you to know, "We are here to help". First Class Check Advance is located at 720 South Davis Ave., Suite A, in Cleveland. Give Todd a call at 662-846-6457. "Please use Check Advance Service for short term use only."
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| Letter From The Board |
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Dear Members, When I left Cleveland after high school I vowed I'd never come back. After ten years I began to hear the Delta lightly whispering in my ear, "Come home. Come home. Come home." The pull of this area, of this town, became much greater than my desire to wander, and so I returned. With very little clue of what I was going to do and how I was going to do it. But there was one thought that comforted me. I knew the people of Cleveland would support me in whatever my journey became.
Being of young mind and strong spirit, I thought I knew all the answers. I figured I had all the solutions to fix the ailments that needed fixing around here. I wanted to fight "the man" without really knowing who that was or what that meant. The result was lots of hot air from me with very few personal goals accomplished.
A few years after having returned, I was invited to participate in Octoberfest. This was my first introduction to the Chamber of Commerce, and my first inside view of "the man". I was amazed at the teamwork, the camaraderie, the selflessness. I saw the fruits of that group effort -- a wonderful event enjoyed by the entire community -- and I realized, I needed to jump in, help out, cooperate, and help keep this town the beautiful jewel that brought me back home following a trail of truthful whispers.
I have been fortunate enough to meet many creatives from all over the country. A good number of them have traveled to Cleveland. To a person they tell me how lucky I am to live here.
"What a beautiful town this is," they say.
My reply?
"It's not the town. It's the people. We don't always see eye to eye. Our differences are plenty. But more often than not, we listen to each other. And we realize that we're all in this together."
Our Chamber of Commerce is a huge part of that. I didn't know that when I first came back home. I certainly do now. And I am forever grateful for those who have given so selflessly to make this town the jewel that it is. Sincerely, Will Jacks Vice President for Marketing and Communications |
| What is Cleveland Cash? |
Cleveland Cash Q&A
For Consumers:
Q. What is Cleveland Cash?
A. Cleveland Cash is basically a gift certificate that is good at many of Cleveland's locally owned businesses.
Q. How do I purchase Cleveland Cash?
A. Call or go by the Cleveland/Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce.
Q. How do I know which businesses are participating in Cleveland Cash?
A. Below is a list of stores who are already accepting Cleveland Cash (check back because this list will grow!), or you can look for the "We accept Cleveland Cash" on the door of the store.
Q. I have a Cleveland Cash certificate. What happens if I make a purchase for less than my certificate?
A. Cleveland Cash and/or the change from a purchase is not redeemable for cash, so you will receive change in the form of that store's gift certificate.
For Merchants:
Q. How do I receive payment for the Cleveland Cash certificates?
A. Call or E-mail Anne Dilworth at the Chamber with the amount you have received, and she will come collect the certificates and bring you a check. PLEASE don't call her more than once per week!!! 662-843-2712 or anne@clevelandmschamber.com
Q. A customer uses the Cleveland Cash certificate, but is owed change. What do I do?
A. Give change in the form of store credit or gift certificate at your store.
Q. I am a merchant who didn't sign up to accept Cleveland Cash. Can I still accept it?
A. YES!!! Accept the certificate just like cash. Also, call Anne at 662-843-2712, and she will get you a store sign and add you to the website list below.
Q. How do I determine if the Cleveland Cash certificate is authentic?
A. The certificates are all numbered and printed on copy protected paper. Here are some of the easiest ways to check to see if the certificate is authentic:
- Hidden "VOID" image printed in background of the document
- Fine-line border design which will distort when copied
- Heat-reactive "PROTECTED" logo that will disappear when rubbed
- Call the Chamber to make sure that certificate number is valid
Participating Merchants
Neysa's Fireside Shop
Hometown Gifts and Jewelry
Heidi's
Christina's Exquisite Edibles
Kids Korner
Nancy's Hallmark
Fox Road
Posh
Wishing Well
Nancy's Frame Shop
Cotton Row Bookstore
Gilbow's
Punkin Patch
Warehouse
Airport Grocery
Bean Counter
Kutworks |
| 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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