LINCOLN -- Goals for this year have had members of Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce busy brainstorming at recent meetings. It's a case of updating goals, adding to those the Chamber has long aimed for such as supporting local businesses and promoting shopping locally.
Members have established a vision -- to build strong alliances within the local community and to be a resource for, but not limited to, local businesses, community leaders, churches, civic groups, local citizens and visitors.
Goals for 2014 include retaining and improving current local businesses and promoting economic growth.
President Bryan Snyder said those goals also include providing networking opportunities by holding business events, business mixers and events such as a Chamber of Commerce sponsored bowling tournament set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at Ozark Lanes, 2300 N. College, Fayetteville.
The bowling tournament will be just for fun with four-person teams. The $15 cost will include shoe rental and two games, according to Jennifer Whitney, secretary of the Chamber.
"Our website has changed and is now set up with a list of community events," said Snyder. "We will keep it updated."
The website has a list of local attractions such at the Arkansas Apple Festival and Arkansas Doctor Museum.
Membership information is available plus a list of Chamber members on the website.
New officers were elected on Feb. 28 at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet. A list of those officers is also available on the website along with phone numbers and email addresses if one wants or needs to get in touch with them. Board members are also listed on the website.
"We have a good team and board," said Snyder.
Chamber officers other than Snyder and Whitney include David Therneau, vice president, and Heather Keenen, treasurer.
Board members include Ronnie Rinehart, Steve Whitney, John Blosser, Dax Moreton, Greg Cheshier and Brad Woolsey.
"We've been working a lot on the Chamber's direction and goals lately," Snyder said.
Part of a new direction for Chamber members include a calendar of events, website, Facebook page and providing the tools necessary for people to open and/or run a successful business.
Chamber members plan to promote Lincoln's strengths, which include a strong blue-collar workforce, low-cost real estate, low overhead costs and Lincoln Lake.
Members continue to tout shopping locally and hope to improve advertising for area parks.
It was a sad time last year for Chamber members when Kenneth Reeves, president, suddenly died in September. Members did not replace Reeves until Snyder was elected president in February.
The next meeting is a business mixer set for May 6 at 6 p.m. at Burgerland.
Community on 04/23/2014