Hancock Chamber begins new era

 

Tuesday morning’s Hancock County Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast meeting ushered in a new era as Shanna Nugent took over as the chamber president, and Stephanie Lamar as the executive director. The breakfast took place at 7:30 a.m. at the Hancock County Career Center.

“We are looking to make changes,” Nugent said. “We are mulling over some ideas.”
Nugent said the chamber wants to add new programming to help small businesses grow in the county. Nugent said she wants the chamber to be a resource businesses turn to when looking for ways to grow. If grants exist to help a business, or if social media opportunities arise or businesses want better ways to find employees, she wants local businesses to turn to the chamber.

“We are looking for ways to help our businesses improve,” Nugent said.
New executive director Lamar expounded on the idea of programming. She said the chamber wants to offer educational courses and seminars to help chamber members; Lamar also said the chamber wants to restart leadership Hancock County.
“We will let members tell us what they need,” Lamar said.

Referring to leadership Hancock County, Lamar said it is a huge asset to the county. She said it provides class members tremendous amounts of information about the county, which helps them guide the county forward.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” Lamar said. “It will take time to implement new ideas.”

An idea Lamar mentioned is a gift/debit card program for members of the chamber of commerce. It differs from traditional gift/debit card programs in that traditional cards are business specific; these cards are chamber member specific meaning it can be used at any Hancock County business that is a member of the chamber. For example the card allows a person to purchase flowers or other items at a nursery or gift shop in the county, buy lunch at a restaurant or buy gas as a convenience store—provided they are a member of the chamber.
“It is a way to promote shop local,” Lamar said.

Lamar said the chamber also wants to help local home-based businesses to grow.
Lamar said she plans to hold office hours on Tuesday and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the career center. If a person needs to contact her outside of these times, call 270.922.0729.

By Ralph Dickerson