BUSINESS MATTERS

Karin Hopkins

We are pleased to update the community on activities concerning the Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce. Our committees are functioning well. Community Development and Housing Committee Chairperson, Lisa Pierce recently discussed blighted properties with her committee members. They followed up by meeting with Tuskegee City Manager Bernard Houston. If you are interested in knowing what’s next, attend the membership meeting next week.  If you are not a member, please join the Chamber and then volunteer to work on the committee of your choice. Each group has a clear focus and delivers meaningful outcomes. Special Projects Committee Chair, Jamelle McDade assisted with the Business After Hours Networking event featuring complimentary food and an exceptional environment for Chamber members to mix and mingle. The Chamber extends special thanks to Dad’s Enterprises for hosting the networking experience. Tourism and Business Development Committee Chair, Noah Hopkins remains excited about residual effects from the Best Practices Tour to Thomasville, Alabama he recently coordinated. Membership Committee Chair, Fred Flowers has improved the application process, making it easier for newcomers to join and returning members to stay engaged. Thanks to Fred, application takes just a few clicks on the computer with a visit to www.tuskegeeareachamber.org. Community/University Engagement Chair, Dr. Walter Hill was traveling last month so he arranged for his colleague, Dr. Kai Koong to attend the Chamber meeting with Michael Tullier, head of the Tuskegee University communication and marketing department. Tullier shared information on the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), including why it is so important for everyone, including citizens to be aware of the QEP commitment to REACH, an acronym for Road from Early Achievement to a Career High. You can learn more about these projects by visiting www.tuskegee.edu/reach.  The Chamber is utilizing its social media platforms to recognize local women who hold leadership positions. This campaign with the theme, “I AM WOMAN – HEAR ME ROAR” is presented in conjunction with National Women’s History Month.Image and Communications Committee Chairperson, Andrea Callahan collaborated with Chamber administrative assistant, Gabrielle Aboki on this project to salute Tuskegee-area women who are making history today. Macon County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jacqueline Brooks is on that list. We truly appreciate Dr. Brooks and her staff for hosting the February 2018 Chamber membership meeting at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. She presented an excellent overview of programs and progress within the school system. We hope something you have read in this article inspires you to get involved with the Chamber. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 26, 2018 at 6:30pm at the Macon County Commission Annex Chamber, 205-B North Main Street. We welcome your presence and participation as we continue our work concerning BUSINESS MATTERS.

Karin Hopkins is executive director of the Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce and also co- founder of ECHOboom, a digital media platform. Contact her at ourchamberworks@gmail.com.