In order to keep our newsletter brief and on point, you'll find all the latest local happenings updated regularly by visiting our website. Here's how to always stay abreast of community and business news, activities, and get flyers or information in                                 one convenient place! 

Click on the Local News Icon or use the Quicklink for Happenings & News.   Or, simply click here to view the latest news! 

Remember, if your group, business or organization has something to share with the Chamber community, residents, and visitors to our area, please submit it to us via email at jill@richmondcoc.org, or drop off your flyer at the Chamber office.

When a new person moves into town, they need to learn the lay of the land. Where to shop, where to get the car fixed, who to call for home repairs, and more. Last year we gave away 150 baskets to new residents. In fact, people spend more money in the first two years of new home ownership than any other time. 

Reach new movers by putting your promotional product, business flyers, coupons, or informational items in our 

"Welcome to Richmond" Basket!  

 

We have a lot of fun receiving items, assembling the baskets and delivering to new residents. So get in on the fun and drop off items for us to include in the next set of baskets to be delivered in town. 

A chance to find out more about what's going on in local communities will be part of the 2016 Elected Officials Forum in Richmond next month.

The Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce, or RACC, will kick off its annual breakfast forum at 7 a.m. April 8 in Maniaci's Banquet Center. A breakfast buffet is offered from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 9:30 a.m.

The breakfast is open to the public. Tickets, which must be reserved in advance, cost $15 for chamber members and $20 for non-members.

The program will include updates on county, township and city government provided by local officials. This year's list includes Richmond Mayor Tim Rix, Macomb County Deputy Executive Al Lorenzo, Richmond Township Supervisor Cindy Greenia, Columbus Township Supervisor Bruce Christy, Lenox Township Supervisor Ron Trombly, Casco Township Supervisor Bill Ruemenapp, St. Clair County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Bill Gratopp, St. Clair County Commissioner David Rushing and Macomb County Commissioner Don Brown. The event moderator will be Judge Denis LeDuc.

Jill Albin, director of the RACC, said the forums used to be hosted in the evening on a much smaller scale with coffee and a few brief presentations.

Three years ago, the event was revamped and changed to a breakfast meeting with sponsors for both the forum itself and individual tables.

Last year's breakfast welcomed more than 140 people. Albin hopes to draw a similar crowd this year.

Each official will have five to 10 minutes to speak and offer highlights and updates on specific issues going on in their communities.

"This gives the officials a chance to showcase what's going on their communities or talk about whatever they feel is important," Albin said.

The event also offers an opportunity for officials to meet with citizens and share what's going on in their communities. A question and answer portion will be included, Albin said.

Table sponsorships are still available and include six seats for the sponsor, while two additional seats at the table are used for elected officials. The seating allows those in attendance to meet some of the local leaders informally over breakfast.

Major event sponsors include the Richmond Rotary Club, McLaren Macomb and First State Bank.

For event tickets, call the chamber office at (586) 727-3266.

Maniaci's Banquet Center is located at 69227 Main St. in Richmond.