Newsletter August 2015 Inside this issue:
Leadership DeSoto
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Back to School
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Social Media Tips
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Message from the President Hard to believe the summer has wrapped up and August is here. Students will be going back to school, the abundance of fall activities will start. Before you know it, our winter visitors will be in town again. Regardless of the time of year, it always amazes me to see the volume of people that stop by the chamber to inquire about the community; we are wearing a lot of hats for the business community on a weekly basis. Your chamber has been busy the last few months strengthening the membership services that we offer. Our organization is growing and we are engaged with what is happening in and around DeSoto County.
Scholarship Winners
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Employee of the Month
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Engaging your business in the community and with the chamber is very beneficial. Here are a few ways you can become more engaged with our community and the chamber.
Ribbon Cutting
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Attend a chamber early bird or noontime networking.
Review the weekly e-blasts.
Business Spotlight
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Visit the chamber website, set up your member profile.
Chamber Calendar
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Get involved! From the Annual membership meeting to the Christmas parade, your involvement will benefit your business.
Serving Our Community & Your Business!
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DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce
Lunch & Learn
Feel free to talk to myself, Jennifer at the office, or a member of the board if you have thoughts on how the chamber could better serve our business community. If you know a local business that is not currently a member, please ask them to join us. I look forward to seeing all of you in the community.
New Member Spotlight
Welcome Blue Rock on Crystal, LLC. 3059 NE Crystal st. Arcadia, FL 34266
Nocatee Diner 4327 SW Hwy 17 Nocatee, FL 34268
Sigy’s Donuts & Kolaches 11 N. 10th Ave. Arcadia, FL 34266
Heather Nedley Chamber President
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DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Leadership DeSoto is an Excellent program geared to helping professionals connect throughout DeSoto County and learn more about the area they live and work in, while giving back to the community.
August, 2015
Class VI Graduation
If you would like to learn more about leadership DeSoto Contact the Chamber at (863) 494-4033 or email chamber@desotochamberfl.com
Sylvia Altman, Craig Aument, Connie Bateman, Christina Britton, Melanie Brown, Harold Campbell Keri Fitzpatrick, Steven Hickox, LeAnna Himrod, Tami Jewel, Stephen Lawrence, Dexter Lewis, Carl McQuay, Mark Mizell, Laura Nelson, Denise Pilarski, Cynthia Siegel, Jaccarie Simons, Emily Suter, Luis Velasco, Michael Waller, Debra Wertz, Terri Womack.
Congratulations! Back To School Savings!
August, 2015
DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
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Social Media Tips
Inside Story Headline
Lunch and Learn
August 12th, Noon at the Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber of Commerce will be Hosting a 30 minute session showing our members how to get the most from their membership by utilizing our webpage. Update & add business information Post a job opening Will be the two topics for this lunch & Learn. A light lunch will be available. Hurry & RSVP at (863) 494-4033.
Want to Thank an Excellent employee ? In next month’s issue the Chamber will be featuring “Employee of the Month” column Contact the Chamber at (863) 494-4033 or email chamber@desotochamberfl.com To find out more information and request an “Employee of the Month” form.
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DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
August, 2015
Scholarship Winners On the Left is the winner of the Leadership DeSoto Scholarship Jami Westberry. Jami Plans on entering postsecondary education with a major focused on Biology / Pre-Med and pursuing ministerial studies. To the Right is Omar GarciaContreras receiving the DeSoto County Chamber Scholarship. Omar is pursuing a heavy machinery mechanic's degree. Presenting the Scholarships is Jennifer Backer the DeSoto County Chamber Vice President.
Congratulations & Best of Luck DeSoto High School Graduates! The Chamber Newsletter is now featuring an “Employee Of the Month” section . This is a great way to Thank your employees! Each month the chamber will pick two submissions for “Employee of the Month”. For more information and to receive an employee of the month form email Jennifer Trace at chamber@desotochamberfl.com Photo Model
August, 2015
DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Ribbon Cutting
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Let The Chamber help you Celebrate your business with a Ribbon Cutting! On August 7th at 9am BlueRock on Crystal will hold their Grand opening and ribbon Cutting. All who attend this event will receive a free delicious muffin with the purchase of a crepe. Join us for this celebration at: 3059 NE Crystal St. Arcadia 34266 Contact the Chamber at (863) 494-4033 or email chamber@desotochamberfl.com For more information.
Business Spotlight– BlueRock on Crystal The old Brownville farm house on US 17 and Crystal St. has been converted into a destination spot for crystals, collectables, crepes, and coolers. After extensive renovation, BlueRock is pleased to announce their grand opening on August 7th. The Owners Debbie and Lyman Hussey have combined their two passions and expertise to create BlueRock. “We decided to put our passion for Earth’s natural resources and good food together to open BlueRock.”-Lyman Hussey. Lyman Hussey has worked extensively in restaurant and retail management for the past 30 years, while the entire time being an avid collector of rocks, minerals, and fossils. Debbie was a teacher that taught Earth Science & Science. Debby enjoyed teaching children about the different minerals and elements of nature that make up beautiful rocks and crystals. BlueRock offers more than just rocks and crystals; there’s an art gallery of many talented artists, jewelry; both gold and silver, a wide variety of cobalt blue glass, and many other unique treasures. After you’ve shopped BlueRock, stop by their “Crepe Café” where you can get light, but satisfying fresh fruit crepes and coolers for your pleasure. BlueRock is excited about entering into season with a fresh concept for our community along with wintering visitors, and would like to thank the community for the opportunity to bring their business, BlueRock on Crystal, here to Desoto County! Come see what BlueRock has to offer!
Community Partners The DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce Values our community partners. We have made a new community partner spot to make being a community partner easier for smaller businesses. Community Partnerships pay for themselves and vary depending on which level you chose. Community Partners share the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce's mission to serve our community and empower economic growth. Want to be a Community Partner? Contact the Chamber at (863) 494-4033 To find out more information about this exciting opportunity!
Interested in advertising in the Chamber Newsletter? Contact: Jennifer Trace Director of Chamber Programs & Services Chamber@desotochamberfl.com Or give me a call at (863) 494-4033