JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Our first monthly meeting of the New Year will be held on Thursday January 5^th at 8am at the Mt Airy Fire Hall (corner of Watersville Rd and Main St, park at the rear/lower level and enter through the back doors).

Items on the agenda will include upcoming business card exchanges, the Business Fair, the professional development seminar series, member recruitment ideas, political debates and much more.

2006 VISION & GOALS

By Carol Cahall, Chamber President

My vision and goals for The Greater Mt Airy Chamber of Commerce in 2006 are simple. Keep doing what we’ve been doing, only do it better. Hopefully, we’ll come up with revisions and new initiatives which will attract new business owners and retain the membership of the ones we have.

With a few exceptions, our membership is comprised of small businesses. The Chamber strives to continue to present opportunities and services to promote growth and prosperity to its membership. The amazing thing is, these opportunities are a direct result of the efforts of the members themselves. Many diverse, talented people donate their time and money to the cause. If you have an idea or concern, we want to hear it. More than that, volunteer when you can.

We aren’t perfect. Sometimes, we have to agree to disagree. Most importantly, the Chamber’s agenda is not dominated by money or politics. Our MEMBERSHIP is our strength.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

As of January 3^rd we have 159 members – with renewals coming in every day. Over 140 applications have been mailed to members who had not yet rejoined for 2006 – with a reminder that Chamber members will receive first access and best discounts for the 2007 Mount Airy Phone Book.

To help save postage money and precious volunteer resources, please renew your membership today!

NEW MEMBERS

We are pleased to welcome the following new members for December:

Convenience Catering, Doug Henley, 410-975-8770 .

Mt. Airy Sports Supply, Phyllis Baker and Kathy Brossart, 301-829-4723.

BNI (Business Network International) Eric Eisenberg, 240-601-8930

AUDIT

The Finance Committee has completed a successful audit of the Chamber’s accounts. For further information, questions or comments, please contact Treasurer Denny Ahalt of New Windsor State Bank at 301-829-7355 or dahalt@newwindsorbank.com

BUSINESS FAIR 2006

The 2006 event is scheduled to be held 29^th April, 2006 at the Fireman’s Activity Grounds on Twin Arch Rd.

Over 30 business have signed up so far with tables inside and spaces outside still available.

Sponsorship opportunities also still exist (see current sponsor line-up in right-hand panel).

For more information, please contact Archie Rogers of Rogers Engraving + Stamps at (301) 663-4311.

We are always looking for volunteers to help with setting up and running the 2006 Business Fair. It’s a great way to get involved and meet other Chamber members!

INFO TO SHARE?

If you have information you would like to share with other Chamber members – either through the monthly newsletter, the Chamber website, or Yahoo e-mail list – please contact Advertising & Marketing Committee Chair Keir Knight of Plain English Writing & Design at (301) 829-1982 or klknight@pipeline.com