Chamber has successful year
PRESCOTT – It was a successful year for the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce.
This is what the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and members, were told at the annual Chamber meeting Thursday night at the Prescott High School cafeteria.
Jamie Hillery, executive director of the Chamber, gave the annual report, saying the Chamber got 10 new members and now has 119 overall. In addition, the Chamber held six ribbon cuttings. “Ribbon cuttings are one of my favorite activities,” she said, “because they mean business has come to the community.” She added there are three businesses that haven’t had ribbon cuttings yet.
The Chamber, she said, does a lot of events throughout the year, and this takes a lot of hard work and planning by the board. “We want to grow these events each year.” Hillery pointed out the Chamber is the hub of the community and works with the schools, the city and county and attends as many community events as possible.
“Our main goal is to promote and protect local business. We want to see Prescott grow. I’m excited about the future of Prescott and Nevada County,” she said. “We’re here to support you and no project is too big or small for us to help with.”
Lauren Doucet, board president, welcomed everyone, recognizing individuals and thanked the members of the Prescott City Council and Nevada County Quorum Court who attended. She said the Nevada County Depot and Museum has a new curator, Judy Duke, who will do a great job there.
Hillery presented plaques to outgoing members of the board, who were on the Class of 2017. She said this was the last class when she took over as Chamber director and is partial to them. “They mean a lot to me and I’ll miss them. They worked hard in helping prepare for events.” The outgoing members are: Charlene Koger, Darren Neal, Eli Ratcliff, Rena Brown and Vince Grimes.
Doucet said as a member of the Class of ’17, it’s special to her as well.
The members of the Class of 2018 were recognized. They are: Herbert Coleman, Frank Henson, Shane Meador, Haliegh Glass and Katherine Crain. The Class of 2019 was also noted: It’s made up of: Brad Shunk, Debbie Henderson, Lynn Vanderveer, Niki Morris and Sarah Cross.
“We’ve got a great new board and I’m excited what the Chamber has in store for them and the community,” Hillery said.
Prescott Mayor Terry Oliver joked with the crowd saying he’s written a 10-page speech that has mysteriously gotten “lost”. He continued, saying the audience wouldn’t have to listen to the speech and could get home to the Razorback game sooner.
“We have a blessed community,” he said. “A lot of movers and shakers are here tonight.”
He told the group if they looked in the dictionary under the definition of enthusiasm they’d see Hillery’s picture. “She defines enthusiasm. She’s intense and dedicated. We’re blessed to have her. She enjoys her work, is always positive about the board and is willing to take risks. We’re proud of what she’s done.”
Some of the events sponsored by the Chamber were: Fall Festival and Trade Days; the 3rd Annual Crawfish Boil; Trick or Treat on Elm Street; the Retail Merchants Christmas Consumer Expo; Breakfast with Santa; the annual Christmas parade; Christmas on the Square; the annual Easter Egg Hunt; the Chamber banquet; the Chamber scholarship; ribbon cuttings; the Prescott-Nevada County Crafts and Community Garage Sale; the grand opening of the Farmer’s Market; and the Nevada County Big Buck Contest.
“The Chamber did a lot last year,” Doucet said, “and has a lot coming up this year.” She thanked everyone for attending and said the incoming board will have a lot of fun.
