February 2015

WORKING TOGETHER WORKS.
SHAPING THE FUTURE.

Community Development Day 2015 brought a diverse group of Pierce County citizens together for a common purpose --- to plan for our future. In a spirit of collaboration and excitement, a large group of community leaders met to celebrate goals achieved, analyze goals not yet met, and develop goals for the future. 

 

The break-out sessions provided participants the opportunity to create work plans to address business and industry expansion, heritage and ecotourism, youth and adult leadership programs, recreational needs for all ages, downtown development, and overall communication. Individuals were encouraged to ask, "What can I do to improve quality of life in Pierce County?" With an "I/we" instead of "you/they" attitude, the groups took ownership of the goals and immediately began to implement their plans! 

 

This wonderful planning session was made possible by the Main Street Board, Chamber Board and Programs & Events Committee, Eagle Station Board, and facilitator, Robert Williams. Community reports were given by the Chamber, Industrial Development Authority, Recreation Department, Main Street Program, Satilla Riverkeeper, Public Safety, and Student Advisory Council. We encourage everyone to enter into this spirit of community, and ask yourself these questions, "What are the three biggest problems facing our community today?" and "What have I done personally to help improve these issues?" We cannot wait to see what 2015 has in store for Pierce County!

OKEFENOKEE OCCASION
January 14

Pierce County was well-represented at the 2015 Okefenokee Occasion held in Atlanta on January 14. Business, government and community leaders from 13 Southeast Georgia counties hosted legislators and staff for a dinner of regional treats in their 25th annual lobbying event.

 

The dinner was held in the state's Freight Depot event venue across the street from the Capitol where lawmakers could easily drop by for stew, barbecue, fresh oysters, pulled pork and wild game. They were met by a receiving line of regional representatives. 

 

Scheduling the dinners for the first week of each year's legislative session provides a chance to meet the latest batch of key staffers and keep the region's issues at the top of lawmakers' agenda. The annual trips serve as reminders of how the local leaders benefit from working together for the good of the region.

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BUSINESS CONSULTATIONS
February 3 & 17

 

A representative with UGA's Small Business Development Center will be back in Pierce County on Tuesday, February 3 and February 17. If you are thinking about starting a new business or need assistance for an existing enterprise, let these trained SBDC consultants guide you through the process. 

 

We want your business to get off to a good start! The SBDC will give you sound advice on financial management, record-keeping, marketing tactics, strategic planning, customer service policies, and capital campaigns. These consultations are free and confidential. Call for an appointment.

MARKETING WORKSHOP
February 24

Constant Contact, Inc. is an online marketing company offering email marketing, social media marketing, online survey, event marketing, digital storefronts, and local deals tools, primarily to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and membership associations.

As a service to our members, a regional trainer will conduct a free workshop for 15 of our member businesses. If you are interested in learning how Constant Contact can help you take your marketing to the next level, or if you currently use Constant Contact and want to learn new ways to maximize its uses, call the Chamber today to reserve your spot in the class being held at the Chamber from 10 AM to noon on February 24. Seating is limited Sign up today.

PROGRESS RAIL TOUR
February 26

One of the largest providers of rail and transit products and service in North America is located right here in Pierce County, and you are invited on a private tour being hosted by the Chamber on Thursday, February 26, 9:30-11 a.m. 

 

Progress Rail has become an industry leader by delivering quality materials, providing experienced and reliable service, and offering unprecedented convenience through a network of integrated, strategically located facilities, including here, in Patterson, Georgia. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at this impressive operation. The tour is limited to 20 participants. Make your reservation today. Register now.

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COTTON EXCHANGE BLOCK PARTY
March 12

 

This is a twist on the Chamber's most popular networking event, BAH! The Block Party is a Business After Hours event hosted by multiple chamber members within close proximity of one another. It is a non-structured evening occasion which provides the perfect opportunity for our small businesses to showcase their facilities, programs, products, and services. By working in conjunction with each other, a wide range of business and community leaders are brought together in this great networking environment.

 

The member businesses located in the Cotton Exchange, Hwy 84, Blackshear, will host the March 12 Block Party from 5-7 p.m. 

MICROSOFT OUTLOOK TRAINING
March 18

 

Are you having trouble staying on top of all of the new emergencies in the workplace? Do you have one of those desks you are embarrassed for anyone to see? Do you wish there was a better way to manage all of those annoying emails? Let your Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and Coastal Pines Technical College help!

 

Jason Rubenbauer, Director of Business and Community Services for Coastal Pines Technical College, will conduct a Lunch & Learn designed to help managers and employees be more efficient in daily operations. Learn to better organize your office space, create priority lists, and organize your email. Learn to use Outlook calendars, rules, task manager and other features to maximize your time. 

 

Registration will open soon for this March 18 training. Save the date, and be on the lookout for more details!
  • The vision of the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is to provide for a competitive and business friendly climate for all of Pierce County.
  • The mission of the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is to foster partnerships for the advancement of Pierce County.