MAURY ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIP PACKET
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT STAFF DIRECTORY
Wil Evans President & CEO wevans@mauryalliance.com
Travis Groth Vice President, Economic Development tgroth@mauryalliance.com
Kara Williams Director, Member & Community Engagment kwilliams@mauryalliance.com
Rupa DeLoach Director, Economic Development rdeloach@mauryalliance.com
Elizabeth Gallegos ALIGNMaury Program Manager egallegos@mauryalliance.com
Corbin Davis Director, Marketing & Communications cdavis@mauryalliance.com
Stephanie Hurst Manager, Events & Member Services shurst@mauryalliance.com
Rhonda Eppinette Accountant reppinette@mauryalliance.com
Tri-Nette Casimier Executive Assistant and Office Manager tcasimier@mauryalliance.com
Dorothy Swann Administrative Assistant and Receptionist dswann@mauryalliance.com
The Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance is the leading voice for business and economic development in Maury County. Our membership consists of 600 businesses, which are diverse and representative of the entire community. Led by a Board of Directors inclusive of local business and community leaders, we represent a variety of industries across the County.
We are committed to creating and maintaining a strong business environment by focusing on:
• Economic and Community Development
• Advocacy on a local, state and federal level
• Opportunities for our members to engage and connect in order to expand their network
• Opportunities for our members to grow, learn, and develop professionally
• Opportunities for our members to heighten their brand visibility
Joining the Maury Alliance is more than just accessing our great programs, it shows that you are committed to the community and enhancing our economic vitality.
Thank you for your interest in our organization, I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Sincerely,
Wil Evans
Maury Alliance Office 106 West 6th Street • PO Box 1076 Columbia, TN 38401 ph 931-388-2155 • fx 931-380-0335 www.mauryalliance.com
LEAD. ADVOCATE. DEVELOP.
The Mission of Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance is to facilitate business opportunities for chamber members and create job growth through economic development.
Serving the cities of Columbia, Mount Pleasant and Spring Hill as the leading voice for business and industry in the community, the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance (Maury Alliance) provides programs, networking opportunities, advocacy and support for business professionals. Maury Alliance is focused on growing business and economic opportunities in Maury County by providing expertise, resources, support and vision for new and existing businesses.
You can find the following resources on our website:
• Membership Directory
• Community Events Calendar
• Economic Development Information & Resources
• Available Commercial/Industrial Sites
• Our Latest Press Releases
• Community Profiles
• Community Living Information
• Points of Interest Page
• Elected Officials Guide
Come by our office for:
• City and County Maps
• Visitor Guides
• Maury County Business Magazine
• New Resident Guide
• Information on Local Businesses
MEMBER BENEFITS
Maury Alliance is your resource to collaborate with other business owners, government leaders and community members to achieve economic success, community growth and a strong quality of life for the future of Maury County.
JOINING THE CHAMBER
• Brings credibility to your business
• Expands your visibility in the community
• Creates networking opportunities
• Increases your publicity
AS A CHAMBER MEMBER, YOU
• Gain a voice in government
• Make business contacts
• Acquire customer referrals
• Get access to members-only discounts and services
• Have opportunities for professional and community development
• Are notified about Chamber events and programs
• Receive newsletters and information
DID YOU KNOW?
100% of your investment is used to promote your business and develop the community.
We host several member events each year for networking and professional development.
We offer an assortment of marketing and sponsorship opportunities.
Maury County is a Three Star community.
You can benefit from a chamber membership for less than $25 a month. (price depends on number of employees)
Our Local First Gift Card program has kept over $168,000 in Maury County since 2020.
We have a Notary Public at the office to notarize documents, at no cost for members.
Since 2014, our Economic Development team has secured 48 project wins resulting in the creation of approximately 7,952 new jobs and $6.27 billion in capital investment into Maury County.
Maury County is ranked #2 in Tennessee and #47 in the United States for Incoming Investment.
We have been facilitating Leadership Maury for over 30 years and Youth Leadership Maury for over 25 years.
A representative from the Tennessee Small Business Development Center is available by appointment to offer no-cost consultation for businesses in the community.
We represent the issues of the Maury County business community at the local, state and federal levels through our advocacy efforts.
We have a robust volunteer ambassador program, so someone is always available to answer your questions.
Maury County is in the top 5% in TN and in the United States for fastest growth rate.
WHY JOIN?
“The chamber has been a powerful resource for our business and has allowed us opportunities to build relationships with other business owners in the community we would not have been able to do on our own.”
Kathryn York - Owner, Smith + York
"Maury Alliance is the networking backbone that provides its members with information on other members. Come join our network!"
Eric Previti - Maury County Commissioner
"Being an involved member of Maury Alliance has helped my business grow and allowed me to connect with other Young Professionals in Maury County."
Richard Law - Financial Advisor, Baird - The Parker Group
"Maury Alliance has been a huge part of our success here. We didn't know anyone at first, but we joined the Chamber and got plugged into the community. It has been a great networking tool."
Pete Prevost - President, Briarworks
"Being a member will make you part of the driving force behind the economic success of local businesses here in Maury County."
Galen Longo - Director, TSBDC
“Being involved with Maury Alliance has created invaluable business relationships and friendships that have helped shape me personally and professionally."
Claire Hill - Assistant Editor, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative
"My business thrives on making connections. The Chamber is the perfect place to create those connections."
Tim Thomas - Independent Agent, LegalShield Business Solutions
“Building my business through connecting with my community is important to me. Maury Alliance is the best place to find that community."
Caleb Mathis - Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-a
"Being part of Maury Alliance has provided me the opportunity to extend my presence and networking prospects. It is rewarding to belong to organizations that focus on businesses in our communities."
Rob Ferrara - SH Market Manager, First Farmers Bank
HOW TO JOIN
• Make an appointment with our Director of Membership and Community Involvement..
• Complete the enrollment form included in this packet or fill out an application online at mauryalliance.com/join
• Use the membership investment schedule to determine your dues amount.
MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT SCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024
> 500 or more employees = $2,640 + $2.00 per employee
> Non-Profit and Individuals = $220
> Yearly dues can be paid in monthly or quarterly installments by credit card or ACH payment processing.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Are you networking with other business professionals?
Are you involved in the collaborative effort to better the business and economic growth of Maury County?
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Monthly Coffees at Member Businesses
Annual Meeting
Young Professional Luncheons & Mixers
Women in Business Luncheons & Mixers
Educational Workshops
Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings
Public Affairs Events with Legislative & Local Officials
Farm City Breakfast
Chamber Connect
Leadership/Youth Leadership Maury
Business After Hours
Ambassadors Program
We host over 50 programs and events every year to provide our members with the opportunity to get involved in the community and network with other professionals. If you want to further your involvement you can volunteer to serve on one of our councils or committees.
Minority Owned Business Networking & Pop-ups
COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES
Economic Development Council
Chamber Council
Membership Committee
Public Affairs Committee
Local Business Committee
Young Professionals Committee
Women In Business Committee
Minority Owned Business Comittee
Agribusiness Committee
CHAMBER COMMITTEES
Ambassadors
Chair, April Bobb
This group meets the last Wednesday of every other month at 12:00pm. This select group represents the chamber and the membership. They assist the chamber by conducting member visits each month, assisting with ribbon cuttings, and other chamber events. They are the cheerleaders and PR for the chamber. They participate in training twice per year. There is a fee to be a part of this group. To join this group, you must complete an application and abide by all roles and responsibilities.
Membership Committee
Chair, Lisa Bennett
This committee meets the last Thursday of each month at 8:00 am. The committee is charged with retention and recruiting of members; implementing all member benefits; member events and education. Subcommittees are often formed due to the broad scope of this committee.
Public Affairs Committee
Chair, Jake Langsdon
This committee meets as needed to plan and implement all public affairs programs and events. Events include State Eggs & Issues, Breakfast with the Mayor, Education Lunch, and Candidate Forums. Additional events are planned around government issues that affect our business community.
Local Business Collective
Chair, Ashley Pomeroy
This committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:30am. The committee is made up of local retail merchants in Maury County, the Maury County CVB, and Columbia Main Street. This committee focuses on projects and programs that promote business and creates opportunities for retail in Maury County.
Women in Business Committee
Chair, Reagan Clayborne
The Maury Alliance Women in Business Group provides growth-minded women from all professional levels and backgrounds a friendly and welcoming environment where they can come together to share ideas and network. The committee meets as needed to plan programs and events.
For meeting dates visit mauryalliance.com/events
Young Professionals Committee
Chair, Jewels Dubois
This committee meets as needed to direct the programs and events for Young Professionals in Maury County. The purpose of YP Maury is to network, develop leadership skills and engage in the community. YPs have quarterly lunches and after hours networking events.
Leadership Maury Board of Trustees
Chair, Kaliente Conway Glenn
This is a community leadership Development Program that covers pertinent topics to grow an understanding of our community. There is an application program and a fee. Applications are due by the end of July each year. The program runs from October through May. Refer to the Leadership Maury brochure for complete details. There is also a Youth Leadership program for high school juniors.
Agribusiness Committee
Chair, Jonathan Hickerson
This committee meets between December and May and is responsible for the annual Farm City Breakfast and the Agribusiness scholarship program. They focus on highlighting the Century Farm award each year as well as the scholarship memorial award.
Minority Owned Business Committee
Chair, John Davis
The Maury Alliance Minority Owned Business Group showcases minority owned businesses by hosting quarterly networking events and bi-annual pop-ups at The Factory in Columbia.
CHAMBER EVENTS
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Annual Meeting
With over 300 business leaders in attendance, Annual Meeting is a celebration of the successes of the past year, as well as a forecast of what the upcoming year may bring.
Signature Luncheons
These luncheons feature compelling speakers and topics that are relevant to the entire membership, while also providing an opportunity for networking with community leaders.
Farm City Breakfast
Farm City Breakfast is an annual event, hosted by the Maury Alliance Agribusiness Committee, that honors the agriculture and agribusiness industry of Maury County.
State of Education
Maury Alliance’s Annual State of Education event gives members and the Maury County community a look at what is happening in our school systems. Combining public and private schools, audience members will hear from the leaders in education.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Breakfast with the Mayors
Breakfast with the Mayors is an event highlighting each Mayor from Mount Pleasant, Spring Hill, Columbia, and Maury County.
State Eggs & Issues
Maury Alliance’s Annual State Eggs & Issues is held every year in February and features a panel discussion from our Maury County State Senate and House of Representatives delegation.
Federal Eggs & Issues
Held every other year, Federal Eggs & Issues features a Senator, Representative or panel discussion from our local representatives in Federal office.
Candidate Forums & Meet the Candidate Events
During election years we host Candidate Forums and Meet the Candidate events to give our members and the community an opportunity to meet and hear directly from the individuals running for office.
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Women in Business Lunch & Learns
Women in Business lunches provide growth-minded professional women with a friendly and welcoming environment where they can network. Businesswomen from all professional levels and backgrounds come together to share ideas and learn about relevant topics.
Young Professionals Lunch & Learns
Maury Alliance Young Professionals' lunches provide a platform for YPs to build relationships, develop professionally and learn together.
Workshops
Maury Alliance prides itself on providing quality and affordable workshops and trainings for our members. These chamber events are generally more hands-on. Topics in the past have included: Social Media, Google, Dale Carnegie, Customer Service, Managing Up, etc.
Roundtable Series
Chamber roundtables are small, informal events that we offer for our members at no cost. Previously, we have featured elected officials, HR professionals, small business resources, and more.
Existing Industry Events
Every year our Economic Development team hosts a few events to provide training and learning opportunities geared towards our existing industry partners
Retail Real Talk
This quarterly workshop series was created to support our small business owners and provide retailers an opportunity to network and learn more about a specific area of focus related to the retail community.
NETWORKING
Monthly Chamber Coffees
Monthly Coffees are the Maury Alliance’s premier networking event. Hosted on the 2nd Wednesday of every month by a different chamber member, Coffees provide members a monthly opportunity to network with 70 - 100 community members.
Women in Business Networking Mixers
WIB Networking Mixers were launched in 2021 to provide a welcoming environment for women to come together to share ideas and network. Held on the last Tuesday of every month at various locations across town.
Young Professionals Mixers
We host YP mixers on the 4th Thursday of each month at different locations throughout the county. These mixers provide an informal networking opportunity for our 40 and under professionals.
Chamber Connect
Chamber Connect is a networking and leads exchange event exclusively for chamber members and is limited to 25 attendees each month.
Business After Hours
Business After Hours provide a relaxed way for members of Maury Alliance to connect and network with one another. Member organizations host these events at their business and can expect an attendance of about 25 - 50 people.
CHAMBER EVENTS
Minority Owned Business Mixers
The Minority Owned Business mixer is an opportunity for business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and people passionate about supporting minority-owned businesses, to expand their network and forge meaningful connections.
MISC EVENTS
Membership 101
This quarterly event provides new and existing members a way to learn more about our organization and how to make the most of their membership.
Strolling on 6th
In 2023 we teamed up with Title Associates of Columbia and RE/ MAX Encore to join in the fun and excitement that is Columbia First Fridays. Join us April - October for Strolling on the Sixth, a community block party featuring live music, food trucks, sweet treats, business pop-ups, giveaways, games and a huge lawn for families to enjoy.
Visit mauryalliance.com/events to view our events calendar.
CHAMBER MARKETING
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
Online Membership Directory
Display Collateral in Chamber Lobby
List Events on our Website
Ribbon Cutting / Ground Breaking Ceremony
Annual Meeting Table Sponsor
Advertise in Maury County Business Magazine or Maury County Map
Host a Monthly Coffee
Email Blasts
Event Sponsorships
Local First Gift Cards
Maury the Mule Scavenger Hunt
Host a Business After Hours
Submit Press Releases for our Website
Door Prizes at Events
Post Job Openings on our Website
Custom Banner Ads
For more info contact: Corbin Davis cdavis@mauryalliance.com p: 931-388-2155
Chamber Lobby Display
Free for Members
This opportunity gives your business visibility in the chamber lobby. Members may display business cards, rack cards, or brochures. This is a great way to reach visitors of the chamber, Realtors that gather information for customers, and new comer packet information.
Local First Gift Card Program
Free for Members
Maury County Local First Gift Cards are Maury Alliance’s way of promoting local businesses and members by encouraging gift giving that keeps dollars in Maury County. They are the perfect gift for employee appreciation, holidays, teachers, special acknowledgment, Realtor closings or as a ‘welcome to the community’ gift. Over 2,000 gift cards were sold in 2021, keeping $41,820 dollars in Maury County, guaranteed to be used at a locally-owned business.
Email Blast $150
Chamber mass emails are a one-time advertisement sent from the chamber to over 1,500 emails. The member provides all materials (images and copy) for the advertisement. Reservations are required in advance.
Ribbon Cutting $150
A ribbon cutting is a great way to advertise your new business or a milestone in your business (i.e. celebrating a business anniversary or new location). These events are promoted in our weekly newsletter and across all social media channels. We recommend scheduling at least a 3 weeks in advance. Ribbon cuttings are free for new members.
Banner Ads
$50 - $500
For the first time ever, we are offering banner ads on our website. We will work with you to develop your ad or you can submit completed art files. Banner ads are available on our Membership Directory, Events Page and Job Board. You must book your ad at least 2-weeks prior to when you want it to run.
Maury County Map Ad Fees Vary
This map is produced every two years and includes Columbia, Mt. Pleasant, and Spring Hill. Maps are distributed to walk-in visitors and included in relocation packets, and member packets. This is the most up-to-date map of our area. We partner with Target Marketing of Florence, KY to produce this map. They will contact you directly - all members will receive an email and letter prior to sales.
Maury County Business Magazine
Ad Fees Vary
This is a partnership with Journal Communications. The magazine is produced annually with a distribution of about 7,000. Journal Communications will contact you directly for advertising - all members will receive an email and letter prior to sales.
CHAMBER MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
Enhanced Member Listings
$100
Enhance your company listing on our online membership directory page. With an enhanced listing you can include images, videos, and more.
Candidate Guide
$500
2024 is a major election year for Maury County. To make sure our voters are informed, we will draft a questionnaire for all candidates running for office and compile into a helpful Candidate guide. Sponsors of the guide will have their logo prominently featured and will be included in social media posts and blogs used to distribute the guide.
New Resident Guide
$500
Maury County is one of the fastest growing county in Tennessee. To better assist all of our new residents we created a guide to help get them established in their new community. After printing, the guide will be made available through Realtors, churches, banks, and our office. Sponsors of the guide will have their logo prominently featured and will be included in social media posts and blogs used to distribute the guide.
Event Sponsorships
$100 - $3,000
Showcase your business by sponsoring one of the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance’s popular events and be rewarded with new business and community contacts, along with potential customers. Sponsorship opportunities provide your company with visibility before, during and after the event. All event sponsorships are available on a first come first serve basis. Check out our Sponsorship Guide for detailed information on event sponsorship opportunities.
“Where’s Maury the Mule?” Scavenger Hunt $25 fee + gift card “Where’s Maury the Mule?” is a shopping passport adventure that we host every year over Spring Break and Mule Day. Up to 25 local business get to participate in this program on a first come, first serve basis. Shoppers visit all the participating shops/restaurants to find “Maury the Mule” hidden in each business and have their passport signed/stamped at each location. Once a certain number of businesses have been visited, the shopper will turn their passport in so they can be entered to win the grand prize drawing. The cost to participate is $25, plus the donation of a gift certificate to your business. We promote this event through social media and our newsletter.
Circle of Excellence
Platinum Level $5,000; Gold Level $3,500 Make an impact on the Chamber’s vitality by joining an elite group of businesses known as our Circle of Excellence. These businesses are recognized as leaders within the community and make a vital commitment to our organization through their enhanced investment in Maury Alliance. Check out our Sponsorship Guide for detailed information on this opportunity.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair
Immediate Past Chair
Chair-Elect
Secretary/Treasurer
Chamber Council Chair
Economic Development Council Chair
Al Kerstiens
Mt. Pleasant Power System
Bill White Mayor of Mt. Pleasant
Brandon Whiteside Life Care Center of Columbia
Chaz Molder Mayor of Columbia
Dave Cook PaperWeight Printing
Demetrius Nelson Carmack Blvd. Church of Christ
Dr. James Thomas Columbia Academy
Dr. Janet Smith
Columbia State
Dr. Joey Hensley
State Senator
Dr. Martin Chaney Maury Regional Hospital
Edwin Youngblood Moses Project, Inc.
Eric Previti
Maury County Commissioner
Esterlene Dukes
General Motors
Hendley Edwards
Mt. Pleasant Industrial Board
Jack Cobb Maury County Public Schools
Jack Maher
John Maher Builders, Inc.
Richard Law
Stephen Hughes
Seth Blanks
Caleb Mathis
Michael Parks Lawrence
Michael Franks
Jamie Carroll WireMasters, Inc.
Jennifer Graham Remax Encore
Jim Hagaman Mayor of Spring Hill
John Davis Finishing Touch Barber Shop
Jonathan Hardin CPWS
Josh Lynch United Communications
Kendra Nowlin Breckenridge Baby Boutique
Kevin Markham
Maury County Commission Chair
Kip Capley
State Representative
Lisa Ventura Maury County Public Schools
Lucas Burt Farm Bureau Insurance
Mark Goatz Heritage Bank & Trust
Phillips Grooms
Mt. Pleasant City Manager
Rick Graham
Columbia State
Rita Thompson Maury Regional Medical Center
Scott Cepicky
State Representative
Scott Sumners Maury County Commissioner
Seth Lasater Murphy, Cox, Franks & Lasater
P.C.
Sheila Butt Maury County Mayor
Shelly Sassen The Well Outreach
Stephen Hopkins Duck River Electric Membership
Stewart Parker IDB of Maury County
Ted Reed
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Tina Adams Community Volunteer
Tom Price
Maury County Archives
Tony Massey
Columbia City Hall
Tony Tolstedt City of Spring Hill
Trey McNabb
Stan McNabb Chevrolet Cadillac of Columbia
Veronica Hobbs Mersen
AMBASSADORS
Ambassadors are volunteers that serve as customer service representatives for the chamber as well as assist with event hosting and other chamber activities. They serve as a liaison between members and the chamber staff and extend our reach into the community.
April Bobb, Chair TriStar Bank april.bobb@tristar.bank
Tina Adams adamst40@msn.com
Scott Bradley Columbia Office Solutions scottb@cos-tn.com
Barry Daniels CFS Printing & Promotional Products cfsbarry@charter.net
Tonya Burgett United Community Bank tonya_burgett@ucbi.com
Amanda Dickens Republic Bank & Trust adickens@republicbank.com
Jewels DuBois TriStar Bank jewels.dubois@tristar.bank
Blair Hickman Caledonian Financial blair@caledonianfinancial.com
Tim Huckaby 5 Star Restoration timh@5ivestarrestore.com
Ross Jaynes Visual Media Co. info@visualmediaco.com Rhonda King Town & Country Realtors rhondaking3196@gmail.com
Denise O'Neil EXIT Truly Home Realty denise.oneil,realtor@gmail.com
Trenton Schmidt First Farmers Bank trenton.schmidt@myfirstfarmers.com
Chastity Smiley Atwork Personnel csmiley@atwork.com
Interested in being an Ambassador? Contact Kara Williams: kwilliams@mauryalliance.com or 931-388-2155
