On August 25, 2020, Sandy Barton, President of the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce (GMPCC) spoke to the membership of the Magnolia Rotary Club about her organization and what is does. Pictured above is Sandy Barton.
Sandy Barton provided a slide show and spoke to each of her slides. The information provided was as follows:
- The GMPCC was formed in 2017 after the former Magnolia Chamber and the Magnolia Parkway Chamber were combined.
- It is a volunteer led and run organization that has a Board of Directors that are elected by the membership.
- The GMPCC is operated according to a set of bylaws approved by the membership.
Sandy they showed a photo of the 2020 Board members as well as the Executive Committee. Sandy is the President of the organization and reports directly to the Board of Directors.
Sandy they spoke to the GMPCC Mission Statement:
- The GMPCC advances economic growth in the community, provides access to resources and advocates for business.
Sandy then spoke to how the GMPCC advances economic growth in our community. GMPCC:
- Provides Economic Development and is a graduate of several Economic Development Programs.
- Does its best to provide information about job openings in the community.
- Promotes economic wealth in the community.
- Works to improve the business environment in the community.
- Provides opportunities for business growth in the community.
- Provides leadership opportunities.
- Provides visibility for all businesses in the area.
Sandy then spoke to access to resources available to all of the members:
- Education & Information
- Business Support Systems
- Marketing & Demographics
- Networking
- Community Visibility
- Leadership Opportunities
Sandy indicated that access to these resources provides better business owners & managers and therefore better businesses. Sandy then spoke to what business support systems were available to its members:
- Business Counseling and Coaching
- Demographic and Economic Data
- Education / Training / Workshops
- Leads, Referrals, and Hot Deals
- Job Posting
- Affinity / Discount Programs
Sandy stated that as an advocate for its members, GMPCC works with officials at the local, regional, state, and federal levels. She speaks to many of these officials on a daily and/or weekly basis.
Sandy then spoke to the GMPCC Sponsorships and Advertising opportunities available to its members:
- Annual Awards Luncheon - sponsorships from $250 to $5,000
- GMPCC Golf Classic Tournament - sponsorships from $250 to $5,000
- GMPCC Christmas Parade - sponsorships from $250 to $2,500
- Monthly Business Luncheon - sponsorships $200
- Business Success Seminar Series - sponsorships $200
- Networking Breakfasts - sponsorships $200
Sandy then explained that the GMPCC will hold a "Fall Fest Business Expo" on October 22, 2020 where trade show and informational booth opportunities will be available. For more information on this, Sandy told everyone to check with any GMPCC staff person or watch for information in their Monday morning "Weekly Coffee Break" information guide. Sandy also told everyone that the GMPCC will hold its annual Magic of Christmas Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 5, 2020.
Sandy then talked about all the committees the GMPCC has and that the committees are open for anyone to get involved with. The committee opportunities are as follows:
- Government Affairs Council
- Ambassadors
- Annual Business Awards Planning Committee
- Annual Golf Classic Planning Committee
- Audit Committee
- Christmas Parade Planning Committee
- Fall Fest Business Expo Planning Committee
- Membership Committee
- Non-Profit Round Table
- Sponsorship Committee
For more information about the GFMPCC, go to their website at: www,GreaterMagnoliaParkwayCC.org.
A photo of the those in attendance and taken at the end of the meeting can be seen below:
