Membership Update

Goodbye Spring and Hello Summer!

In the last Quarterly Commerce magazine, I stated how excited I was to "get out and get a little pollen on my shoes" and network with member businesses, however, as the Georgia humidity literally says, "HELLO" , I will be happy to meet with anyone as long as there is air conditioning. But seriously, all jokes aside, our door is always open and we are here to help, air conditioning or not!

The second quarter allowed for in-person events to resume and in April, the Chamber was proud to graduate the 26th Leadership Putnam class and host the 7th Annual Sweet Tee Off. In May, the Chamber hosted the 42nd Annual Awards Dinner and distributed the annual Chamber Scholarships, $1,000 each to four deserving recipients. I want to say, THANK YOU to everyone that sponsored and attended the 7th Annual Sweet Tee Off and the 42nd Annual Awards Dinner. As I said at the Annual Awards Dinner and I will say it again, it was exciting to be able to see everyone in person and catch-up on so many things, I have sincerely missed these interactions.

I worked with several of our banking member businesses to reach out to every restaurant, member or not, in Putnam County to discuss and assist with applying for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open.

I welcomed the Chamber Summer Intern, Samuel Tucker in May and he has assisted me immensely as I plan out 2022. Sam has been a great asset to the Chamber office, he has performed research, created spreadsheet after spreadsheet, demonstrated his journalism skills by contributing 100% to several of the interviews in this edition of the Quarterly Commerce magazine and so much more! We are sad to see him go at the end of July as his internship ends, but wish him all the luck as he enters Mercer Law School.

The second half of 2021 is going to be equally busy and I'm excited! The Taste of Eatonton will be back on October 4th and the 12th Annual Legislative Breakfast is October 19th. As I confirm dates for Fall 2021 I'm excited to announce that Farmers & Merchants Bank will host Coffee Connections and Business After Hours in September. I am personally inviting everyone to attend these events! I also want to make sure members are aware that there are plenty of opportunities available to promote your business in the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber, and one great way is by hosting a Business After Hours or Coffee Connections event at your business. There are still open spots for 2021 if you're interested in hosting!

I want to leave you all with some food for thought. I often hear Chamber memberships compared to fitness memberships, "You will get out of it what you put into it" , is the common saying. If this past year has shown us one thing, it is that this saying is not totally accurate. Each day, the Chamber Team works diligently in support of your business, whether or not you are able to personally engage. With your continued support, we can secure Eatonton and Putnam County's pro-business future.

Together we are moving business forward and making Eatonton and Putnam County the best place to live, work, learn and play!

Michael A. Payne Membership Director Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce