Date: 4/17/2009
New programs and services being developed to serve the whole business community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ROCHELLE, IL…The Rochelle Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rochelle Regional Retail Alliance are pleased to announce that plans have been finalized to merge the two organizations. On May 1, 2009 the new Chamber office will open for business weekdays at 350 May Mart Drive. The recent consolidation will provide area businesses with brand new levels of support from the 70-year old organization.
The new Chamber will focus on promotion, growth, representation, education, communication and commercial and retail services including business retention, retail recruitment, site selection assistance, and political advocacy. The Chamber is beginning an aggressive membership drive that will target all area businesses including commercial, retail, service, industrial, not-for-profits, civic clubs, financial institutions, home-based businesses, individuals, government, school districts, and professional services.
New to the Chamber will be economic development services and access to resources and constituent assistance designed to help area businesses succeed. “We will focus on being an advocate for Rochelle businesses and industries to local, state, and federal government agencies, elected officials, and liaisons within major U.S. corporations”, said Peggy Friday, the Chambers’ new Executive Director and CEO.
Two separate Member Forums and Receptions will be held on April 22 at the Rochelle Country Club at 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Members will have an opportunity to meet the new Board of Directors and the Table of Ten Action Committee. Board Chairman Geri Henkel will present a brief history of the consolidation and how the Chamber plans to meet and exceed the expectations of the business community. Executive Director Peggy Friday will call upon current members to become actively involved in their Chamber and help to recruit new members. The public is invited to attend the free event.
“This membership meeting is really about communication between the Chamber and the business community. We encourage their input and desire that they learn more about how the changes we are making will benefit our membership and area businesses”, said Geri Henkel.
Future Chamber events include the 39th Annual Golf Play Day on June 16 at the Rochelle Country Club. Foursomes are being sought for the yearly event. The Chamber will be working collaboratively with the Merchants of Rochelle (MOR) to make this golf outing the most successful ever. The Chamber will also partner with the City of Rochelle on the M.V.P.A. Military Convoy Overnight Stop on June 20 and the annual Fly-In/Drive-In on August 23 both events to be held at the Rochelle Municipal Airport.
Temporary office hours for the month of April are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m; and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Beginning May 1 the office will be open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of the upcoming events of the Chamber or have ideas for original programs and services, please call Peggy Friday at 815-562-4189.
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