Chamber of Commerce continues to grow

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
When Cheryl Bradford became the new executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in February, she had several goals in mind.
One was to increase the chamber's membership. She can check that off her list of things to do.
Since June, Bradford has been conducting a very successful membership drive to increase the strength of the chamber with new members.
"We have just over 50 new members from all over Franklin County and I hope that number continues to rise as I visit with our business community," Bradford said.
"I can tell our communities and citizens are hungry and eager for Franklin County to prosper and grow. The chamber can help our community in so many ways, but without the membership the chamber could not exist."
Bradford said that several ongoing efforts are underway to help local businesses, including the "Shop Franklin County First" campaign, the "We are glad you are here" program for newcomers to the community, the "At Your Service" business directory in the chamber office, the "Chamber Chatter" newsletter and the "Look Who Joined the Chamber" feature in the newspaper, radio and local television in Red Bay and Russellville.
Still, there is more to do, Bradford said.
"2009 promises to be a busy year for the chamber with our Partnership Awards banquet for business and industry scheduled for March 19 at the Todd Center, the graduation of another great junior leadership class, and of course, the five festivals that are held in our county each year," she said.
"We will continue the support of all of our parades held throughout the year and will provide opportunities for the citizens of Franklin County to clean up our community with clean up campaigns as well as seasonal beautification efforts."
The chamber will also continue providing two cash scholarships to graduating high school seniors and will once again sponsor the junior leadership class.
Bradford said ribbon cuttings are available to any new business to help them announce their arrival into the community.
"We will continue to develop relationships with our local city and county government officials in an effort to make this a better place to live," she said.
For more information on joining the chamber of commerce, call 332-1760. As part of the membership drive, there is currently a special join now, pay later plan where dues can be delayed for 60 days.
"Thank you to all of you who support the chamber," Bradford said.
"And for those of you who are not yet members, come join the chamber, it matters."