Chamber Logo
January, 2010 Vol 2, Issue 1
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
 
January 21 - Chamber After Hours at Guaranty Bank and Trust
 
January 19-20 - 37th Annual Ag Expo
 
February 19 - Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball
 
March 12-13 - 4th Annual Italian Festival of Mississippi
 
Please be sure to check the Quick Links in the right column for other events.
 
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Above: A picture of the wonderful crowd from last year's Italian Festival 
Board Meeting Recap
 
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Above: A group of adorable children stop and pose for a picture at last years Italian Festival

Two new members approved for membership:
Aaron's
Bellazar's II

We have added 19 new members so far this year.
 
President's Club:  The President's Club had their regular monthly meeting yesterday.  Linda Collins was President's Club member of the quarter with the most points.  The second "goodie box" for the troops was packed at the December meeting.

We served refreshments to the Census Count Committee that will met Wednesday, January 13th at the Expo Annex.
 
The Chamber is still in the process of planning an opening reception for Teach For Amercia on June 13th.  Several different ideas have been discussed by a committee.   
 
The Chamber will be making welcome packets for the 75 to 85 participants of the Alabama-Mississippi Sociological meeting that will be held on February 18th and 19th at Delta State.
 
Applications have been received and accepted for the 2010 Leadership Bolivar County Class.  If all accept, we will have 22 delegates.  The first class session will be all day February 25.  Afternoon sessions will then be held monthly through July, with class projects presented in late August or early September.
 
Delta Legislative Day will be held in Jackson on February 3.  The Delta Chamber Consortium has successfully hosted this event for several years and it is very well attended by the legislators.  We always like to have good representation from Bolivar County, so if you would like to attend, please let Judson know.
 
Cleveland Cash: The Chamber is selling certificates that can be used in Cleveland only.  Contact the Chamber for more info.
 
Economic Restructuring:
Anytime Fitness has opened by Vowell's Grocery. 
The old Cleveland Furniture building on Sharpe Ave is now Red Line Fitness Center.
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Above: A group of bocce players discuss their strategy at the 2009 Italian Festival.
Italian Festival of Mississippi
 
italaian festival logo
 
Plans for the 4th Annual Italian Festival of Mississippi are well underway!  There is still time to become a part of the festivities by becoming an official sponsor.  Please consider being a part of this monumental event!!
 
ITALIAN FESTIVAL OF MISSISSIPPI SPONSORS '10
 
GODFATHER
 
Cleveland Current
 
MAMA MIA
 
AutoMark of Cleveland
Cleveland Lunber & Supply co.
Denton Dairy Products, Inc.  
 
GUDA BOY

 
Advanced Mosquito Control
Bolivar Urology Clinic
Bostick Brothers, Inc.
Boyle Flying Service, Inc.
Cleveland State Bank
Delta OB/GYN
Fleming Lumber Co., Inc
The Image Specialist
K & D Associates 
Merchant and Farmers Bank
 
ACINO PICCOLO 
 
Byrd Service Station
 
 
Special Thanks!!!
 

Thank you to everyone who responded to the Chamber Scholars Fund.   We are still trying to reach our goal of 25 scholarships at $400 each.  A donation in any amount will be appreciated as we try to encourage our graduating seniors to further their education.  The deadline has been moved to February 1, 2010.     


 
 
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

 
 

 

In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Recap
Italian Festival of Mississippi
Special Thanks!!!
Member Spotlight
Letter From the Executive Board
What is Cleveland Cash?
Ribbon Cuttings
New Service Offered
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

 Member Spotlight


Please Support and Congratulate our  members! 
   

Aaron's
Aaron's specializes in rentals and rent-to-own of many of your favorite items including electronics, furniture and appliances.  Stop by their store to see all that they have to offer.  They are located at 701-A North Davis Ave in Cleveland or give them a call at 662-843-8855.
 
Bellazar's II
Formerly Bellazar's, now under the ownership of Debbie Holder, is open Monday through Saturday for dinner only.  She has a wide variety of steaks, seafood and pork all wonderfully cooked to please.  She also has a happy hour from 5:00pm - 7:00pm each day.  Stop in for a meal at 114 South Gaines Hwy in Boyle, Mississippi, one mile south of Cleveland, or give her a call at 662-846-8949.               
Letter From The Board
 
 
Dear Chamber Members,
 

The Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce provides members with a connection to life and activities in the community. It paves the way for the future success of not only the businesses and industries of Bolivar County but also the people. It provides members with the opportunity to network within the region and state, maximizing a business's potential. Sustaining a strong family atmosphere is vital to the leadership of Cleveland and Bolivar County. Thus providing activities such as the Italian Festival of Mississippi and Octoberfest, have become the leading volunteer activities for the membership. In addition, by joining the Chamber, members become actively involved in mapping the future of Cleveland and Bolivar County. We hope you will take advantage of all the benefits the Cleveland-Bolivar Chamber of Commerce has to offer you.


 

Diane Makamson
Vice President for Member Services
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
Flowers 'N Things
Timily's Home Fabrics & Etc.

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.
 
 
New Service Offered
 
Frances Pantin Janoush is now a Notary Public and would like to help with any notary needs you may have.