Local chamber gets calls about replacing McDonald's
By CHRISTY WULF
Director, Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
The chamber office has been getting between one and three calls a week since the story about our McDonald's going out of business hit the newspapers three weeks ago.
Generally the callers are interested in the business opportunity offered here now that the fast food giant is out of the picture.
I've answered as many of their questions as possible, and then forward the calls onto city officials or the real estate company handling the sale.
The chamber welcomes its newest member, La Cabana Restaurant. Thanks for your support of another local business.
The chamber board of directors met recently to make plans for the year. We've reworked some of our committees, set goals for the year, and generally made plans for what we'd like to see happen.
The committees that the board decided on are: a promotions committee that will focus on the promotion of the chamber, its member businesses, and the Hillsboro community.
A business assistance committee to assist member businesses, provide three training sessions per year, and be a voice/watchdog regarding political issues.
A fund-raising committee to raise funds for chamber needs and committee budgets.
A membership committee to determine what members want from their chamber, and to encourage businesses to become chamber members.
All chamber members are invited to join any of the chamber committees that interest them. Being on a chamber committee is a great way to make a difference in your chamber and your community.
Among its goals for 2007, the board plans to develop a five-year plan for the chamber of commerce and a mission statement.
I am really excited about the new year, and the new goals. I hope that each and every one of you will consider getting more involved.
The best way to make sure that the chamber stays strong is to have active members.
Don't forget to make reservations for this year's chamber annual dinner. The dinner is 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church.
This year's guest speaker is Tim McCarty, Kansas State University assistant football coach, and former Tabor College head football coach.
McCarty will be talking about staying on course, and Kansas State football. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for seniors, or $150 for a table of eight. Chamber businesses can decorate a table for $35. Call the chamber office at 947-3506 to make your reservations.
Hillsboro USD 410 has recently become aware of a scheme whereby a sales person visited local businesses and asked for contributions toward a program that purchases a book for every first grade student.
The books are then sent to the school with a request for them to be distributed to students. When calculating the cost of this advertising, the funds raised for the books generated more than $20 per book for the company.
Similar books can be purchased locally for less than $3. USD 410 does not endorse such programs and is very skeptical about the advertising value of these types of promotions.
Whenever business people are approached by individuals you don't know and asked to support the schools, please call USD 410 and check to see if the school has actually endorsed the program.
February's top 10 reasons to be a chamber member:
10. For a better Hillsboro
9. Reputation
8. The chamber is an agent for change
7. Chamber referrals
6. 100s of calls a month come into the chamber asking about businesses in Hillsboro
5. The chamber fosters and supports creativity
4. Special discounts
3. Sharing information and ideas with other businesses and community members
2. Business assistance
1. Inclusion in a group of hard working, ambitious businesses that want the best for Hillsboro.
