Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT
2023
We Connect. We Develop. We Advocate.
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
A Note From The Chamber Chamber members, As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for each of you who contributed to the vibrancy of our local business community. Your dedication and hard work have not only sustained our economy but have brought about remarkable successes. You have faced many challenges throughout the past few years, and your resiliency has been inspiring. We’ve all had to show an ability to adapt, innovate, and support one another which is truly our collective strength in Murray/Calloway County. Whether you're a longstanding business or a new venture, your commitment has not gone unnoticed. This past year has seen numerous achievements within our chamber. From collaborative initiatives, such as the SPARK Career Exploration Event and the Leadership Initiative for Teachers program, that have strengthened the relationship among businesses and organizations to individual accomplishments that have shone a spotlight on your excellence, there is much to celebrate! Your successes, both big and small, contribute to the overall prosperity of our community. Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism for what this year holds. The synergy among our members is a testament to the potential for even greater collaboration and shared success. Together, we can continue to build a thriving environment for local businesses, fostering growth and prosperity for all. As we start a new year, let us carry forward the spirit of unity and excellence that defines our community. Together, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and make 2024 a year of success for each member of our chamber. We will be focused on creating more opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative initiatives. We aim to provide resources and support that empower each member to grow. Your feedback and ideas are invaluable, and I encourage you to actively participate in shaping the direction of our chamber. Thank you for being an integral part of our local business community. Your passion, hard work, and dedication are the driving forces behind our shared achievements. I look forward to another year of continued collaboration and success! Warm regards,
Michelle Bundren President & CEO
About The Chamber WHO WE ARE
WHAT WE DO
WHY WE DO IT
We are a non-profit membership organization whose members are local businesses invested in developing their business, growing our economy, and strengthening our community.
For nearly a century, the MCC Chamber of Commerce has been a COMMUNITY CHAMPION; a trusted source for CONNECTING area businesses, DEVELOPING local leaders and being a VOICE for the businesses in our community.
A strong business climate means a strong community, which is why we strive to provide our members with connections & resources to help strengthen their business.
OUR MISSION is to serve our members to enhance our business community.
Every event, program & initiative we take on is to meet the needs of our members in these areas.
The work we do is to meet our VISION of making Murray & Calloway County the best place to live, work & do business.
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Our Team
Michelle Bundren
Hailey Anderson
Kristi Harvey
President/CEO
Director of Membership Development
Office & Outreach Manager
michelle@mymurray.com
hailey@mymurray.com
kristi@mymurray.com
2023 Board of Directors Jessica Jeffress | Board Chair Katrina Coffelt | Immediate past Chair Jennifer Apple | Incoming Board Chair Amy Futrell | Treasurer Nathan Crafton | Secretary Janette Dewitt Cui Liu Jesse Williams* Danny Pruitt Whitney Cooper Darren Yates Stephanie Balmer Jimmy Dan Hicks Shannon Waltmon
HUB | Peel & Holland Bridges Family Center CFSB FNB Bank Keller CPA Group Kopperud Realty Cui Liu Designs Jarvis Vision Center Printing Services of Murray Whitney's The Keg & Yates Event Center Industrial Training Services Independence Bank Kentucky Farm Bureau
*Denotes rolling off the board in December 2023
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
2023 BY THE NUMBERS 449
Active Chamber Members
24
Ribbon Cutting Celebrations
Member Insurance Savings
42
94%
135
New Chamber Members
Member Retention Rate
7,878
Membership Directory
Information Requests Received
(Member Referrals & Relocation Packets)
Job Postings 53 Members Posted Jobs 9,179 Views to Job Page 1,696 Job Posting Clicks
Industry Sectors Represented
28,455
Member Page Views from Directory
TOP 10 SEARCHED CATEGORIES 1. Churches 2. Restaurants, Food & Beverage 3. Real Estate & Rental Property Managers 4. Shopping & Speciality Retail 5. Non-Profit Organizations 6. Building Supplies & Construction 7. Automotive Services 8. Manufacturing & Industry 9. Insurance 10. Hotels & Resorts
$21,000 26
Members Utilizing Chamber Advantage Program
9
Members Utilizing ClearPath Workers Compensation Insurance Program
104,651
21
Event Calendar Searches
Members Utilized Chamber Conference Room
51
45.5%
Members Shared Business News & Announcements in the Member Minute Newsletter
E-Newsletter Open Rate
(34.5% is National Average)
Purchased in Chamber Checks
100% Stays in #myMKY
SOLD OUT EVENTS Annual Business Celebration & Women in Business Luncheon
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
2023 Member Milestones
Member Anniversaries New Members 7 Brew Coffee American Red Cross WKY Chapter Apex Watershape, Inc. Audiology and Hearing Center BTM Excavating LLC Cadd Music Studios Camp Canine - Elite Dogs Cheri Theatres Crossroads Lawn and Garden CSO Tech Emerald Therapy Center Frutta Bowls and Saladworks of Murray Gladiator Graphics GOFOR Pizza Houston Smith Company Integrity Cleaning Service James Mortgage Journey Bags Kentucky Fried Chicken KWT Railway Lakeside Lighting Lowe’s Home Improvement Manpower Meloan Management MKY Clean Co. Nathan Carter Leadership Paducah Neighbors PRO Physical Therapy Puckett’s Fine Jewelry R&R Memories Republic Services of Kentucky Stephano’s Trattoria Storage4Community TakeOut 2 You TempsPlus, Inc Tennessee River Jamboree The Emerald Foundation The Hair Co. MKY The Moses Basket Calloway County Thriving at Home Senior Care Veterinary Medical Center of Murray WKEC Adult Education
Adventure Camper Sales Abanathy Photography Elevation Dentistry Bailey & B Photography HOPE Calloway Baptist Health La Cocina Mexicana City of Murray Meineke of Murray Hickory Woods Senior Living Purpose Church Independence Bank Regions Bank Kopperud Realty Shaffer Coffee Co. Brittany Marchetti The Palm on Chestnut Calloway County Senior WKCTC Workforce Solutions Citizens Center Yates Event Center Murray Donuts Qdoba Mexican Grill The Cellar Door The Mattress Gallery Walters Pharmacy
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
We Connect. BUSINESS @ BREAKFAST SERIES January 10 | City & County Update with Mayor Bob Rogers and County Judge Executive Kenny Imes - Sponsored by ATA CPAs & Advisors February 14 | Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Neurodiversities - Laura Miller (Special Olympics) & Kris Foster (Culver’s) were our keynote speakers - Sponsored by Murray Calloway County Hospital March 14 | B@B Lunch Edition | KY Department of Transportation, District 1 Update with Kyle Poat - Sponsored by Lake Chem Community Federal Credit Union April 11 | Mental Health Matters Panel with Sarah Downey (Aligned Health), Katrina Coffelt (Bridges Family Center), Dr. Samir Patel (MSU), and Jan Stogner (KY Counseling Association) - Sponsored by HUB August 22 | MSU Update with University President, Dr. Robert L Jackson Sponsored by Bacon Farmer Workman & Marcum Engineering September 14 | Breakfast on the Farm | Celebrating 10 Years of the Doran Arboretum at Murray State University - Sponsored by Hutson Inc. October 12 | B@B Lunch Edition | State of Journalism with Renee Shaw, Director of Public Affairs & Moderator of KET - Sponsored by Woodall Companies November 14 | Salute to Our Schools - Sponsored by The Murray Bank
THINK LOCAL FIRST INITIATIVES A concerted effort to forge stronger connections between our members and the local community, fostering a mindset that prioritizes supporting local businesses as the first choice for goods and services. Efforts include: Chamber Check & Murray Money Program | Year-Round Initiative Spring Open House Shopping Weekend | March 10-11 Citywide Sidewalk Sale | August Holiday Open House Shopping Weekend | November 10-12 Small Business Saturday Promotions | November & December Think Local First Giveaway & Promotions | December
SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES Discounted Health Insurance through Anthem’s Chamber Advantage Program Discounted Workers Compensation Insurance through Clearpath AirEvac Life Flight Membership Discount Conference Room Rental - Free for Members
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
We Connect. ANNUAL BUSINESS CELEBRATION The Chamber held its 96th Annual Business Celebration on July 14, 2023 at The FOR Center. The 2023 Annual Business Celebration was sponsored by CFSB Bank and Lance Allison, Bacon Farmer Workman, was the emcee for the evening. 350 Chamber members were in attendance. 2023 Award Winners are as followed: 2023 Chamber Volunteer of the Year - Ronnie Pool Young Professional of the Year - Chaz Robinson, Total Tech Solutions Educator of the Year - In Memory of Mandi Murdock, Southwest Calloway Non-Profit of the Year - CASA by the Lakes Agriculture Award - Calloway County High School FFA Woman in Business of the Year - Cheryl Roberts, MarketHouse Realty Emerging Business of the Year - Kentucky Lake Glamping Business of the Year - Jarvis Vision Center Citizen of the Year - Mike Fahist
WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON The Chamber held our 2023 Women in Business Luncheon on April 19th at The Barn at White Oaks. The event was sponsored by Walter’s Pharmacy and 250 female leaders were in attendance. Our keynote program was led by a panel of local Women in Business who shared their professional stories and advice to women entering the workforce. Panelists included: Sharon Furches, Furches Farms; Jennifer Stubblefield, Retired Teacher & Entrepreneur; and Kathy Kopperud, Kopperud Realty.
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
We Develop.
LEADERSHIP MURRAY The Leadership Murray program is year-long and uses the community as a classroom to develop leaders who will effectively serve our community. The 2023-2024 Class consists of 23 business leaders in Murray & Calloway County. The class is committed to raising funds for a new transit bus and lift for Wesley Living of Murray. Their goal is $35,000 which would secure reliable, accessible transportation for Seniors. The class will graduate in April 2024.
LEADERSHIP WEST KENTUCKY The Leadership West Kentucky program, coordinated by the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance, aims to create a network of informed citizens transcending community boundaries through a curriculum emphasizing leadership development, regional issue education, relationship-building, and fostering pride, encouraging participants to actively contribute as changemakers in Western Kentucky. Representing Calloway County in the inaugural class were: Dana Howard, CFSB Bank Shawn Touney, Murray State University
STORIES NOT STATISTICS LEADERSHIP EVENT The Chamber hosted a leadership development workshop titled "Stories, Not Just Statistics." The keynote speaker was Alyson Van Hooser, leadership trainer & consultant, three time author and proud Murray State University alumna. Stories, Not Just Statistics was designed for local leaders in management positions looking to better connect and lead their teams. Van Hooser encouraged attendees to redefine the definition of leadership and focus on people’s stories, not just statistics. Each person has three stories that impact their performance in the workplace: key events, parenting, and technology in their lifetime. With different generations, comes different priorities so it is vital that managers understand those stories as they are leading multigenerational teams. CFSB was the Presenting Sponsor Swift & Staley was the Platinum Sponsor Purpose Church was the Hospitality Sponsor
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
We Develop.
LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE FOR TEACHERS The LIFT program is designed to spark innovative thinking and discussion between our community educators and business leaders. This program allows teachers to make classroom activities and discussion more relevant to the needs of students and better prepare them for emerging business demands. LIFT CLASS OF 2023 Cody Brown | Murray Middle School Taylor Caldwell | Murray Calloway Area Technology Center Kirsten Collins | Calloway County Middle School Sarah Hultman | Murray High School Megan Kindle | Murray Elementary School Savannah Rose | North Calloway Elementary School Katie Samples | Murray High School Ashley Smith | East Calloway Elementary School Katy Walls | Calloway County High School Miranda Wilson | Calloway County High School
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF MURRAY Young Professionals of Murray (YPM) is a dynamic organization under the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to connecting and empowering young professionals in the community. YPM provides opportunities for networking, professional development, and community involvement, fostering the growth and engagement of emerging leaders in Murray. Connect | Monthly lunch meetups, Murray Main Street Trivia Night, Racer Proud days, Family Fun Nights Serve | FRYSC Summer Activity volunteers & CASA by the Lakes Stocking Stuffer Project Grow | Donuts & Development events 2023 YPM LEADERSHIP TEAM Rachel Ross Denson | FT Home Loans, 2023 Chair Derrick Delaney | The Murray Bank, Incoming Chair Colin FitzGerald | Edward Jones, Immediate Past Chair Christian Barnes | Murray State University Chandler Cohoon | The Murray Insurance Agency Chelsey Houston | Solid Rock Development Kelsey Johnson | Murray State University Mark Stubblefield | Tony Page CPA
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
We Advocate. LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES We are a voice for business on a local, state and national level. We utilize our network to tackle challenges so our members can focus on running their business. 2023 Advocacy Efforts Include: Calloway to the Capitol Annual community trip to Frankfort sponsored by AT&T Kentucky February 15, 2023 Kentucky Chamber Childcare Assistance Program Webinar August 23, 2023 Kentucky Chamber Legislative Conference Attended event with over 2000 business leaders and legislators for an upcoming session preview November 13, 2023 Legislative Preview Breakfast Preview of 2024 Legislative Session with Event sponsored by AT&T Kentucky Event hosted by Calloway County Farm Bureau Senator Jason Howell State Representative Mary Beth Imes Jordan Smith, Murray State University Executive Director of Government & Institutional Relations December 6, 2023
2023 CHAMBER ADVOCACY COMMITTEE Shannon Waltmon | Calloway County Farm Bureau | Committee Chair Amy Futrell | FNB Bank Jordan Smith | Murray State University Danny Pruitt | Printing Services of Murray Katrina Coffelt | Bridges Family Center Jennifer Apple | CFSB Bank Stephanie Balmer | Industrial Training Services
COMMUNITY & REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AGC of Western Kentucky Calloway County Fiscal Court Calloway County Schools Calloway County Tourism Commission City of Murray Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau MCC Economic Development Corporation Murray Independent Schools Murray Main Street Murray State University Murray State University Athletics Murray Calloway Works Foundation Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) West Kentucky Community and Technical College West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Murray Works Foundation 2023 SPARK RECAP 500 8th grade students in attendance 200 local business professionals 80+ hands-on experiences 53 participating businesses, organizations & educational departments 30 volunteers & group leaders 15+ industries represented 5 schools engaged
GOLD LEVEL INVESTORS
WATCH OUR 2023 SPARK HIGHLIGHT VIDEO www.mymurray.com/spark/
CLASSROOM TO CAREER Murray Works launched "Classroom to Career" with Seniors from Murray Independent School District and Calloway County High School. Classroom to Career is the newest initiative of the Murray Works Foundation that focuses on connecting students with future employers. Students visited Murray-Calloway County Hospital for a tour and discussion about how many careers there are in the world of healthcare. Students also met with the Western Kentucky SHRM group where they learned about HR best practices, handshakes, eye contact, and conversation starters when talking to a potential employer. Students then participated in a job fair with multiple local businesses, many who were looking to hire these students when they graduate. The following businesses participated: The Murray Bank Kenlake Foods MSU Federal Credit Union Iwis-Daido Sportable Scoreboards AGC of Western Kentucky Murray State University West Kentucky Workforce Board Western Kentucky SHRM Pinnacle Construction Murray Calloway County Hospital Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce
SILVER LEVEL INVESTORS
BRONZE LEVEL INVESTORS
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Maximize Your Membership in 2024 All dates & times are subject to change. Additional programs & dates will be added throughout the year.
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
9th
Young Professionals
6th
Young Professionals
5th
16th
Business @ Breakfast
13th
Business @ Lunch
8-9th Spring Open House
15th
Calloway to the Capitol
12th
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m. 7:45 a.m. at The Murray Room
APRIL
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m. 12 p.m. at Springhill Suites Frankfort Trip
Young Professionals
1st
16th
Business @ Lunch
14th Young Professionals
12 p.m. at Springhill Suites
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m. Shopping Weekend
Business @ Breakfast 7:45 a.m. at The Murray Room
MAY
9th
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m.
Young Professionals
Women in Business
Luncheon | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Barn at White Oaks
JUNE 11th
Young Professionals
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m.
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m.
JULY
AUGUST
9th
Young Professionals
2nd- Citywide Sidewalk Sale Shopping Weekend 3rd
1st8th
Greece Trip
12th
Annual Business Celebration
13th
Young Professionals
10th
Young Professionals
27th
Business @ Lunch
12th
Breakfast on the Farm
18th
SPARK
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m.
6 p.m. at The FOR Center
OCTOBER
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m. 12 p.m. at Springhill Suites
SEPTEMBER Chamber Travel Fundraiser Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m. Doran Arboretum at MSU 8th Grade Career Experience
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
8th
Young Professionals
12th
Business @ Breakfast
10th Young Professionals
15th
Business @ Lunch
12th
Young Professionals
TBD
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m. 12 p.m. at Springhill Suites
1517th
7:45 a.m. at The Murray Room
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m.
Lunch Meetup @ 11 a.m.
Legislative Preview Breakfast
Holiday Open House Shopping Weekend
30th Small Business Saturday Shopping Weekend
Stay Up-to-Date with all 2024 Chamber happenings by subscribing to our weekly E-Newsletter at www.mymurray.com
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
THANK YOU FOR MAKING 2023 A GREAT YEAR The Chamber strives to be a COMMUNITY CHAMPION; a trusted source for CONNECTING area businesses, DEVELOPING local leaders and ADVOCATING for the businesses in our community. We appreciate the continued investment and support of our members and look forward to 2024.
270-753-5171
www.mymurray.com
805 N 12th Street Murray, KY 42071