NEW MEMBERS

At the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, we're constantly working to expand our membership. A larger, active membership results in increased empowerment for us as an organization. A larger membership also means a larger pool of experience for us to draw upon.

Joining the Chamber gives you the chance to get involved in one of the various committees that operate under our charter. Whether it's an Agriculture Committee, Communications Committee, Education Committee, or one of many others, there is sure to be something of interest for everyone. We encourage and support our members to be actively involved in the Chamber's committees and overall operation.

Vanessa Arthur is the staff member that oversees membership and will also be the one coordinating any Ribbon Cutting events that you might need for your business. Vanessa and the entire staff at the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce invite you to drop by for a visit if you're still undecided about joining. You're sure to find friendly faces eager to assist you with whatever questions you may have.
   

COMMITTEES

Agricultural Committee
Mission: To assist the agriculture community, both farmers and agriculture-related businesses, in increasing the awareness of the community as to the economic impact of agriculture on Bainbridge and Decatur County.

1. Evaluate the format of Ag Appreciation Day and yearly Ag Awards while exploring new ideas for honoring Agriculture in Decatur County.
2. Actively assist and support the agricultural community on important issues , i.e., water, navigation, and the environment.
3. Design and maintain effective communication between the agriculture community and the Chamber.

Auction Committee
Mission: To provide revenue to the Chamber of Commerce and quality entertainment for the membership.

Chairman's Council
Mission: To provide additional revenue to the Chamber. (NOTE: The Chairman’s Council oversees the Decatur County Fall Festival & Fair, the annual Membership Auction, and other Special Revenue projects as well as Chamber Accreditation.)

Communications Committee
Mission: Ensure open communications concerning Chamber programs, services and activities.

1. Provide monthly updates to the new Chamber website.
2. Assist with planning and execution of Annual Meeting.
3. Evaluate Business After Hours Program.
4. Continue to evaluate various methods of sponsoring the monthly Membership Breakfast and Business After Hours Program.
5. Continue to coordinate monthly newsletter and work on sponsorship program.
6. Help coordinate topic and author for weekly Post Searchlight articles.

Education Committee
Mission: To support and enhance quality education and recognize accomplishments of educators and students.

1. Strengthen Business and Industry involvement.
   (Business/Industry Partnership & School Leader for a Day program).
2. Promote and assist the L.I.F.E. (Learning is for Everyone) program.
3. Co-Sponsor with the Library the Annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast.
4. Assist and support the BHS Apprenticeship program, the Decatur County Youth Leadership program, and the Leadership Decatur County program.
5. Sponsor Star Student/Teacher program and the GOAL program.
6. Consider sponsoring a Financial Workshop for High School students.

Existing Industries Committee
Mission: To assist and promote existing Decatur County industries through Chamber resources and shared efforts of the Development Authority.

1. Work with Education Committee and initiate the new Business-Industry/Education Partnership program.
2. Sponsor two industry luncheons.
3. Support and Celebrate Manufacturing Week by hosting the 2005 Business & Industry Conference, the annual Industry Dinner, sponsor an Industry Luncheon and coordinate a job shadowing experience for middle school students.
4. Sponsor Industry Newcomer event.
5. Assist the Development Authority in the preparation and distribution of an Industry Information booklet for area industries.
6. Research and pursue the state-wide entrepreneurial initiative.

Fair Committee
Mission: Provide revenue to the Chamber of Commerce and quality entertainment to the community with the Decatur County Fall Festival and Fair.

Government Affairs Committee
Mission: To advise and inform the membership on governmental issues and to coordinate with the public officials to support the Chamber’s mission.

1. Meet as often as necessary during the Legislative Session and communicate important issues to the membership.
2. Coordinate annual Legislative Breakfast.
3. Evaluate need for Community Retreat.
4. Assess community needs for One Georgia Funds.

House & Grounds Committee
Mission: Assess, preserve and maintain the Chamber buildings and grounds in an economical and professional manner.

1. Each year complete a facility assessment based on staff interviews and inspections for short- and long-term needs.

Membership Committee
Mission: To attract and retain membership by providing support and services.

1. Coordinate on-going program of Membership Recruitment and Retention.
2. Design, purchase and distribute membership recognition items.
3. Support and promote ITC/DeltaCom telephone program & the new BCBS Health Insurance Program.
4. Continue and enhance working relationship with Ambassadors.
5. Assist the Auction Committee with plans and set-up.

Retail Committee
Mission: To promote and enhance the retail climate in Bainbridge and Decatur County.

1. Sponsor the “Small Business of the Year” program with new format considerations.
2. Host annual Retail Appreciation event – “Membership Mingle”.
3. Expand the “Bainbridge Bucks” program to include year-round promotions. Advertise program in newsletter and on the website.
4. Sponsor Annual Holiday Open House.
5. Explore new/creative marketing ideas for our small business community.

Tourism Committee
Mission: Promote activities, events, and natural resources that attract visitors to Bainbridge and Decatur County.

1. Implement the Tourism and Marketing Plan developed in 2003 for Bainbridge and Decatur County.