Chamber Logo
May, 2010Vol 5, Issue 2
The Chamber Update
Keeping You In Touch
 Upcoming Events
 
May 15 - Opening Day for Farmer's Market 
 
May 20 - Southgroup Insurance hosts Business After Hours from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
 
May 22 - Farmer's Market
 
May 27 - Boy Scout Fund Raiser
             
May 28 - Delta Council
 
May 29 - Farmer's Market
 
May 31 - Memorial Day(Chamber Closed)
 
Please be sure to check the Quick Links in the right column for other events.
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Above: A shot of the crowd at this year's IDF Salute to Industry.
Board Meeting Recap
 
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Above: David Work accepting his recognition for 33 years of work at the Port in Rosedale from Chris Collins IDF President.
 
New members approved for membership
Havens Cleaners
21st Century Cleaners
Backdraft
Days Inn
Office Depot
 

We have added 31 new members so far this year.
 
A new Membership Directory has been sent to the printers.  It will be distributed to members, TFA attendees and placed in hotels and other locations.

Economic Restructuring:
 
Willow 166 has opened downtown.  Laura Lee Connell is the owner.  There was a Ribbon Cutting May 4th.
 
Cleveland Trophy has opened in the old Lowery's building.
 
There will be an antique store in the old Cotton Row Outlet.

 
Mosquito/Litter Control: The Great American Clean-Up and Earth Day was scheduled for last Saturday, April 24th.  Earth Day went on as planned with approximately 100 vehicles going through.  Groups that had planned to participate in the GAC, Phi Mus, Tri Delta, Noon Lions Club and the DSU Football Team, however rain cancelled the clean-up.  The DSU Football Team was going to clean up the campus under the direction of Coach Franks.  He explained that that had been called off Friday but the team would reschedule it for sometime later in the week.  Baxter again supplied t-shirts and snacks for Earth Day workers.

The Chamber Scholarships have been awarded.  Due to the amount of scholarship donations, we were able to give twenty-seven $400 awards. The letters have gone to the winners and their schools notifying them.  Dates have been set for pictures for the paper and for them to pick up their checks.  All checks are made out to the recipient and the school they will be attending.  We would like to thank all Chamber members who donate to make these scholarships available to all graduating seniors in Bolivar County.
 
Teacher Appreciation Week was May 3 through May 7.  Last year, each school outside of the Cleveland School District was given a banner announcing this week as a salute to all teachers.  They were contacted to display these banners during the week.  We also asked the seniors to vote and select a favorite teacher from each school.  The teachers were chosen and came to to the Chamber and had their picture taken for the paper presented each one with a check for $50.00.
 
Delta Coucil Day is May 28th.  Senator Thad Cochran will be the key note speaker.
 
Dixie Youth World Series James announced that Cleveland received the bid for the 2012 World Series.  This will be for 11 & 12 year olds.  The officials will be in Cleveland on June 5th to see Cleveland and the facilities.  In August James and Steven will go to Louisiana to present "why Cleveland wants the tournament held in our town".  The Chamber will coordinate everything except the up-keep of the playing fields.  The committee will be Diane Makamson, Lucy Janoush, Aaron Lasker, Gary Gainspoletti, James Glorioso, and Judson.  
 
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Above: A picture of two of our President's Club members, Gina Sigler and Lynn Shurden, passing out nametags at IDF Salute to Industry.

Teach For America!
 
 
Sunday , June 13th is a important day for the Chamber, the city of Cleveland , and Delta State University. The 750 members of Teach for America will be gathered on the campus of Delta State for registration for their five week stay within our community.  The Chamber has been recruiting volunteers to help as greeters, welcome wagon helpers, organizing luggage, getting members on the shuttle to WalMart , and helping them find their dorms and get settled.   We also need  several drivers with trucks  to help transport our guests and their luggage to the dorms where they will be staying.  Registration volunteers are asked to take two hour shifts beginning at 8:00AM that morning and going until 6:00PM.  If you have not volunteered and would like to do so (we can sure use you!), please call the Chamber at 843-2712.
 
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Above: Mark Ponder and Dr. Macklyn Hubbel are honoring employees of Christina"s Exquisite Edibles with customer service awards.
 Team Cleveland
 
           TEAM CLEVELAND/MAIN STREET
Cleveland, Mississippi
 
 
The Main Street Program, under the umbrella of the Chamber of Commerce, was organized in 1990.  Main Street is a national organization aimed at the revitalization and retention of our downtowns.  In 1993 the name was changed to Team Cleveland/ Main Street in order to reflect the community-wide commitment to promoting and revitalizing all of our business districts, city-wide.
 
With 100 members, TEAM CLEVELAND is active in all areas of the four point approach: 1) The Organization committee develops the direction of TEAM CLEVELAND, as well as recruiting and retaining members.  2) The Economic Restructuring committee works with financial institutions, property owners and business owners.  The committee attempts to both retain and recruit businesses that will offer residents and tourists the services and products they need.   3) The Design committee works toward the visual success of the business community with projects that include improved streetscapes and beautification projects.  4) The Promotion committee creates an exciting environment through many special merchant promotions throughout the year and continually updates the banner program.  TEAM CLEVELAND also organizes special events such as OCTOBERFEST and the Italian Festival of Mississippi that provide funds for projects throughout the year.  Before the Italian Festival the Southern Home Ideas Expo provided some of these funds.
 
Although TEAM CLEVELAND (TC) is governed by its own Board of Directors and Executive Committee, just like the Chamber, the Chairman of TC serves as one of five Vice Presidents on the Chamber Executive Committee and Chamber Board of Directors - - one hand knows what the other is doing!  This "working relationship" is one of the main reasons for the success of the organization.  
 
TC dues are $50 annually; but, considering the investment, it's a truly small price to pay!

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.


 
 
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
Teach For America
A Look Back At Team Cleveland
New Member Spotlight
Letter From the Chamber
What is Cleveland Cash?
New Service Offered
Ribbon Cuttings
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

New Member Spotlight


Please Support and Congratulate our  new members! 
 
Days Inn
 
Backdraft
 
Office Depot
 
21st Century Cleaners
 
Haven's Cleaners
Letter From The Chamber
 
Dear Chamber Members,
 
I would like to take a minute of your time to express our thanks for all that you do for our town and the
Chamber.  The unbelievable support that you have shown to our community is awe inspiring, even through a recession you have never once turned your back on our town or the people in it.  The reason we do a monthly newsletter is to show our appreciation and to try our best at keeping you informed of what is going on.  Once again we thank you for your time and efforts in making our town and county the best that it can be. 
 
Brian Blansett
Marketing and Communications Director

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 [email protected]
 
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.

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