Dear members,

I hope you had a great Memorial Day Weekend! May we always remember the sacrifices made and those continually being made for this country.

It's the first day of June, which also happens to be my birthday so, yay me! Ha! Next year will be the big 4-0, so I will cherish this last year feeling young in my 30s. I am happy to be alive, healthy and feel very blessed with family, friends and a career that I enjoy especially since that includes working with you!

Speaking of next year, wow, what a lineup of celebrations in the community in 2022! The County will be celebrating its Bicentennial with a commemorative book. Community members are submitting articles and pictures to tell the stories and memories of the past leading up to today. If your business or organization would like to purchase a spotlight in the book, click the words to read more about the opportunity. We will also be encouraging businesses to celebrate in their own unique ways and utilizing their digital boards and displays to recognize the bicentennial.

  • 200 years for Calloway County 
  • 150 years for Murray Independent School District 
  • 100 years for Murray State University 
  • 95 year for us at the Chamber 
  • 50 years for ATC/Vocational School

This morning, I was happy to participate in the launch of WNBS new Mornings In Murray Talk Show hosted by Neil Bradley and Risa Lowe. Tune into 1340AM or 97.9FM daily from 8am - 9am. I was happy to continue to share how important it is to #ShopLocal all year long.

We are one step closer to June 11th, the date the Governor said he would lift all capacity restrictions following the CDC's recommendation that fully vaccinated Kentuckians no longer need to wear a mask in most places.

SAVE THE DATE: Our 2021 Women in Business Luncheon will take place on Wednesday, December 8th from 11am-1pm. More details TBD, but we have a date! We are used to having a spring event but we figured winter was just as great a time to acknowledge and celebrate professional women in our community. 12.08.21

Michelle Bundren
President/CEO
INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS NOW AVAILABLE
Individual Health Plans that work for you are now available. After speaking with Anthem Director Harry Hayes last week, we are excited to announce a new partnership with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield on health insurance options for entrepreneurs, individuals, gig workers, and 1099 contractors. Open enrollment and cancel anytime. Get a quote for the new Anthem Enhanced Choice plan quote by contacting your local health insurance agent. For information on the plan, see this FAQ pdf.

Qualifications: (must be a member of our Chamber)
  • 64 years and nine months or younger to apply as of effective date
  • U.S. citizen or national or be a lawfully-present non-citizen
  • Resident in the state in which you are applying
  • Agreement to pay the cost of the required premium
  • Not entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Parts A/B, C, and/or D
  • Not covered by any other group or individual health benefit plan
  • Not currently incarcerated
  • Satisfactory proof of dependent eligibility (if applicable and needed)
  • Qualified under this contract on the effective date.
LEADERSHIP MURRAY APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!
Applications are being submitted which has us very excited about this year's experience! Your organization benefits immeasurably by participation in Leadership Murray as a result of the lasting, quality relationships that develop between class members, alumni and community leaders. This is a 10-month program beginning in August 2021 and ends with Graduation in May 2022. To meet graduation requirements, participants must attend all Leadership Murray sessions and accomplish the points needed. To see the full program details and requirements, visit our website. Deadline is June 25th.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - we should add more soon!
As part of the WKCTC Guarantee Initiative : "Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion," they are awarding an African American Scholarship to cover up to full tuition costs for one participant in the 2021-2022 Leadership Murray class. Funding for the most part made possible with the Mackenzie Scott gift, focus on minority business owners/employees. Apply using the link below and select this opportunity if eligible. Must include a written essay for WKCTC to review per the scholarship requirements.
Calling ALL LEADERSHIP MURRAY ALUMNI

Please help us update our records with your current contact information by completing this quick form below. Our current class is hoping to better develop this network as their class project.
IS YOUR BUSINESS LISTED YET TO ACCEPT MURRAY MONEY?

Murray Money (our Community eGift Card program) is a simple way for people and companies to “give back” and drive more business into our local stores. Murray Money is a digital giftcard that can be used at any participating Chamber member merchant: restaurants, boutiques, salons and spas, sports and entertainment, hotels, etc. Murray Money is a quick and easy way to keep dollars local, strengthening our local businesses and building our community. There is NO COST to participate for Chamber members! To sign up or for more information, contact Hailey Anderson at hailey@mymurray.com.

Please note: Murray Money is NOT replacing our Chamber Check program. The intent of this eGift Card program is to make it easier for out-of-town individuals to support our local businesses (i.e. MSU parents sending their student an eGift Card to eat at a local restaurant) and for individuals needing a quick way to send a gift.
MARKETING FOR YOUR BUSINESS
SERVICE WITH A SMILE

HIRING, FIRING & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
BUSINESS RESOURCES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!
The affordability of health insurance consistently ranks as one of the top worry-items for business owners. With health care costs hitting small employers particularly hard, you may find it hard to offer health benefits to your employees. We are proud to have the ability to provide great options for healthcare coverage and workers' compensation.

To learn more, contact your local insurance agent or a Chamber staff member for more information.

OTHER NEWS