Holiday Work Schedule
Christmas break runs Dec. 25 - Jan. 1.
Go Team
Congrats to many of our team members on launching this website featuring jobs in the region, upskilling opportunities, training programs and more.
Store

We completed our fourth economic impact survey of local businesses to gauge the pandemic's impact over time.

Melissa's Role Expands to Include New Marketing Responsibilities
Amanda Leads Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Lookout Chapter as 2021 President
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Ann's Cookie Corner

"I've been baking cookies alongside my mother since I was 11 or 12, and I also had 8 years of 4-H and chose baking and cooking projects all those years. 

I just want everyone to cook and bake! Call me if you have questions." - Ann

My Mother’s Ginger Snaps

3/4 cup Crisco
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons molasses
1 egg (room temperature)
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk together the flour and baking soda; in mixer, thoroughly cream together the Crisco and sugar; add the molasses and egg; continue to beat until smooth; add dry ingredients and beat until blended.

Roll dough in small balls and then roll in sugar. Place on cookie sheet and bake 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire rack then store in containers.
Yields about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.
Staff Happy Hour
Virtual happy hours will be once monthly in 2021, on the third Thursday of the month. These should already be on your calendar.

See you Jan. 21 for our first 2021 gathering.
Staff Food
Bank Gift

Our goal? $200. We raised $525!
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Update Your Email Signatures
Economic Outlook Breakfast is around the corner. Update your email signatures by copying and pasting the below logo:
HR Updates

Don't forget about these benefits ...

Our Employee Assistance Program is an added benefit already included in our Unum disability and life plans. EAP resources include free mental health support.

Access these resources here.
Schedule Those Vacation Days

Be sure to take or schedule any remaining vacation days above your cap before Jan. 1. Talk to your manager or Yolonda if you have questions.
Lynda.com Training

Chamber team members have access to Lynda.com, a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills. Reach out to Dustin or Yolonda for login information.

If you haven't prepared a will or other legal documents, Principal Financial Group can help.

Check out the resource here.

Chamber Chat with Yolonda

What song always gets you out on the dance floor?

I’m a huge fan of line dances. Any activity that lets you exercise and have fun is a win-win for me.

The Wobble by V.I.C. or Bikers Shuffle by Big Mucci will always get me on the dance floor.

If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be Asian cuisine!

I love General Tso’s chicken, hot and sour soup, and sushi.

What makes you feel inspired about the work you do?

I feel inspired to help small businesses succeed. I’m a fan of entrepreneurs and the drive and determination they possess.

To be able to have an idea or goal and transform it into something tangible, that makes life better for yourself or others, inspires me to want to help in those endeavors. I’m a team player all the way.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?

Total relaxation. I like to wake up late, have a freshly brewed cup of coffee with lots of heavy cream and brown sugar, followed by a yummy brunch, binging on my favorite Netflix show Grimm, cracking jokes with my two sons Trip and Caleb, walking my dog Tip, snuggling with my hubby Charles, enjoying a nice sushi dinner, and ending the night with a vodka cocktail, while watching some stand-up comedy in front of the fire pit on our screened-in porch.

(Charles, Trip, Caleb & Tip pictured below)

Do your colleagues want to see funny videos, office memes and photos of your adorable pets and babies? Absolutely!