Chamber notes
By CHRISTY WULF
Director, Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
What are the benefits of chamber membership?
In other words, where's the beef?
At first glance, I had a hard time coming with the reasons, but after almost a year as chamber director, and talking with people in the field, it seems obvious.
As a matter of fact, why on earth isn't everyone a member?
Let's start with the easy ones:
— Chamber bucks. We sold more than $20,000 in chamber bucks last year. Now that is money that stays in Hillsboro. It can be spent at any chamber business, and in fact, we had people pay their utility and doctor bills with them.
Not only can you redeem these and get in on that $20,000 if you are a member, but also your name is on our redemption list, and that is a free advertisement that will be seen more than 1,000 times.
— Your business, address, and phone number are listed on the business directory and map. We print and hand out 1,500 of these annually.
— All of your business information, web site, and e-mail address are listed on the chamber's web site. We are getting more than 5,000 hits a year.
And that's just the beginning!
Relay for Life
This year's Relay for Life will be July 20 at Tabor College. The chamber of commerce would like to put together a relay team.
If you're interested in heading the team or taking part in the relay, contact Hillsboro chamber office.
Rock around the block
The chamber will be sponsoring block parties during the last two weeks of June.
The parties are a way to encourage the Hillsboro community to get involved and to know their neighbors. We'd like to you foster a feeling of community spirit by supporting your block party.
We'll provide a how-to guide for getting started, flyers for your neighborhood, a block party sign, and something to mark off your block with.
If you'll let the chamber know you're having a block party and get us the names of the people on your block who participate, they'll be entered in a drawing!
Dance school to remain open
Vicky's School of Dance will continue to have classes next year, and will be celebrating 25 years of dance in Hillsboro.
Give us the shirt off your back
The chamber would like to promote your business by wearing your company's shirt.
If you have a T-shirt with your business name or logo on it, bring it to the chamber office, and we will wear it on an upcoming Friday.
Folk Festival and All-School Reunion
The Hillsboro Folk Festival and All-School Reunion is May 25-28. If you haven't gotten your button, stop by the chamber office. Buttons are $5, and get you in to Friday's dinner and downtown entertainment, and many of the Saturday activities.
Memorial Day parade
Space is still available in the Memorial Day parade scheduled for 4 p.m. May 26. If your group or business is interested in being in the parade, contact Brenda Coryea at Hillsboro Furniture, or the chamber office.
