I attended a training class where the topic was “Providing Value to your Chamber Members.” It was emphasized in my class that as a Chamber, two key ways we must provide value is to be an advocate for our members and to provide training and leadership opportunities. A Chamber must be a source for information on important issues and events that will affect our community. A Chamber must also search for informed speakers and classes to provide our members the ability to learn and grow and ultimately increase the success of their businesses. The Lake City – Columbia County Chamber is pleased to announce, we have three ways we can provide our members value by offering advocacy, information and training opportunities.
The Lake City Columbia County Chamber wants our members to be informed on the candidates and issues in the upcoming election. In conjunction with Florida Gateway College and The Lake City Reporter, the Chamber is proud to be able to present Candidate Forum 2010. This program will allow voters the opportunity to see and hear from the candidates running for public office. It also provides voters with a chance to get a better idea of where the candidates stand on today’s critical issues.
During this primary Candidate Forum voters will hear from Republican candidates running for State Representative District 11, City Council District 10, County Commission District 2 and County Commission District 4. The program will air live on August 3, 2010 from 7:00-9:00 PM on the Florida Gateway College channel which is Comcast channel 8 and will continue to be replayed until the primary elections on August 24, 2010. Do not forget early voting will begin on August 9, 2010. Take advantage of the opportunity to vote!

The third installment of the Better Business Series will be presented on August 19, from 7:30- 9:30 AM at Florida Gateway College Gym. The speaker is Greta Schulz and she will be speaking on, “How to turn every Chamber event into an opportunity for more business.” As well as how to develop a networking game plan, create a strategy for attending networking events, build your business through generating appointments from Chamber events, establish your business as unique from your competition and learn how to grow your business the smart way! Tickets for members are $15.00 (non members $20.00) and includes breakfast. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Chamber.

Finally, the Chamber would like to encourage everyone to find out more information about the Dale Carnegie class being presented by the Lake City – Columbia County Chamber and The Lake City Reporter. It is the top professional development training class and we are fortunate it is being hosted in Lake City! The class is scheduled to begin in late August. More information is available by calling the Chamber.

It is the primary goal of the Lake City – Columbia County Chamber of Commerce to provide our members with value. I welcome the opportunity to talk with members on ways we can enhance your membership and provide you value. For more information on becoming a chamber member or any of the events above, please give me a call at 752-3690.