Well here we are at the end of 2017, and as I reflect on all we have accomplished this year, I am so grateful for all the members who make up this organization! We’ve taken some huge steps this year to ensure we can achieve the goals we have set for ourselves within the Chamber. And I’m looking forward to all we are set to accomplish in 2018!

Thank you to our Board Members who voted for us to seek an Executive Director for the first time in approximately 20 years. With our growing membership as well as the growing number of businesses in our community, the need has been obvious for the last several years. I appreciate them recognizing the need and seeing this was the next step in growing the Chamber. Thank you to the Interview Committee on the numerous hours they put in combing over resumes and interviewing candidates for the Executive Director Position. Now that she has been offered the position and confirmed by the Board at the November Board Meeting, I am so happy that Amanda King is the Executive Director of the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce.

Amanda was able to hit the ground running after filling the role of “Office Manager” since February 2017. She initiated an anonymous member survey asking for feedback from all our members in the month of November, and we appreciate all your feedback. It’s exciting hearing some of her plans as well as some of the things you want to see happen with the Chamber. Knowing we have someone dedicated full time to make these ideas come to life is exactly what we need. Thank you, Amanda, for all you’ve done already and for all you’re ready to do!

Finally, don’t forget to watch for upcoming events. We have our Christmas Parade this Saturday, December 2nd at 1:30 pm. Our December Board Meeting is Wednesday, December 13th at 11:30 am. And our first fundraiser of the year, The Bowling Tournament scheduled for Friday, February 23rd! Keep watch for Business Networking Opportunities at our monthly Mix & Mingles as well as upcoming Ribbon Cuttings.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends.  I pray everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-Mendy Harris, President