Chamber News

 

                The Carmi Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the “Shop Carmi First” campaign.  This campaign will focus on encouraging our community to shop at home.  Research shows that 68% of money spent at a locally owned business stays in the community.  “The Chamber of Commerce wants to see Carmi prosper, and making our purchases in Carmi as much as possible is one way to help that happen.  In addition to supporting local business, it keeps our tax dollars in our community,” noted Doug Devore, Immediate Past President and Retail and Business Chairman.

                As part of this effort, the Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a Member to Member Discount Program.  Members of the Chamber who would like to offer discounts to all employees of other member business may do so by filling out the required form.  Discounts will be kept up to date on the Chamber website and may be changed by those offering the discount at any time.  Member to Member Discount Cards will be made available to all Chamber members to present to participating merchants at the time of purchase so the discount may be received.  “Letters were mailed out to our members last week and we already have businesses signed up to participate in the Member to Member Discount program,” noted Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Clint Taylor.

                In addition to the Member to Member Discounts, the Chamber is purchasing “Shop Carmi First” window decals to promote the program.  The Chamber will also be sending out weekly e-blasts beginning in mid-March for Chamber business that wish to have a special event or promotion advertised through the Chamber.

Those interested in participating in the Member to Member Discount program or joining the Chamber should contact the Chamber office at 618-382-7606 or via e-mail at chamber@cityofcarmi.com.

By: WROYWRUL News

(Carmi)-Carmi Mayor Jeff Pollard says the success of the community relies on everyone working together.  He told Chamber members in his State of the City address about efforts to create jobs, establish new ordinances, and grow business.  The work to transform Carmi began with the city itself.

“Since May we’ve been working very hard to continue with projects in the public’s eye along with internal issues.  We have been working on cutting overtime back.  We have hired a new safety director to get all departments in compliance with state laws and regulations.  We are also cross training employees for multitasking to be prepared for future job replacement, retirements, and less part-time help.”

Pollard said he was proud of the city employees’ hard work and the changes they’ve had to endure.  He added the new city council has been able to work together effectively.

The mayor listed a number of finished, ongoing, and future city projects.

A headworks project at the Waste Water Treatment Plant finished up most of the water and sewer bond issue.  Two homes have been renovated through a Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission housing grant.  Two additional houses on 2nd Street are scheduled to be upgraded.

“The FAU (Federal Aid Urban) project has been submitted to D.O.T. to resurface Burrell Street and add curbing and sidewalks.  The Industrial Park project is on track to begin in the spring.  A ditch by Dairy Queen was a D.O.T. project using motor fuel tax funds to eliminate flooding in that area.”

“The airport…we’ve completed the water line project, allowing the city to furnish water to Browns (Feed and Chemical) and any other future growth in that area.  The new fuel tanks are complete.”

In the parks department, the city is still waiting to hear back on a grant for playground equipment at Eckerle Park.  The mayor hopes to build a new concession stand at the pool sometime in the near future.  The city has purchased new playground equipment for Burrell’s Campground.  They are also working to secure a few handicap accessible swings.

The FEMA flood buyout is in the final stage.  The city hopes demolition will begin on those properties in the spring.

“And even though Woolsey (Energy) choose Fairfield to locate their field office, we still have a lot of other businesses interested in the 11 acres.  The theater building is back in ownership of the city.  We have been talking with a possible buyer to reopen as a movie theater.  I still have hopes for the hospital to reopen.  I believe that it is one major key for bringing industry into our community.”

The city’s website has gotten a facelift in the past few months.   Pollard hopes the new portal will help attract residents and businesses to the city.

He did challenge Chamber members to work with new business owners in renting space.

“I know, right now, we have storefronts available that Sandra (Irvine) and I are working very hard to fill.  But the bottom line is most people starting out in business cannot afford the high rent.  I would encourage property owners to take this into consideration…work out a plan to allow them to get their feet on the ground and then raise the rent accordingly.”

Pollard closed by noting the city is a business and should be run accordingly.  He says the council and other employees are developing a game plan to improve the city’s future.

By: WROYWRUL News
(Carmi)-One of the highlights of the Carmi Chamber of Commerce annual dinner is the Citizen of the Year and Large/Small Business of the Year awards.  Debbie Hoskins presented the 2013 Citizen of the Year award to former mayor and chamber executive director David Port.

“His care and concern for the residents and the City of Carmi have always been high on his list of priorities and evident in his accomplishments.  He is a man of faith, integrity, and a giving heart.”

“And while he adopted Carmi as his home, he has done more community oriented service than many who have lived here their whole life.  He wasn’t born and raised here but he has rolled up his sleeves from the first day of residence.  He has worked hard in numerous capacities to improve the city he and his wife have chosen to call home.”

Port is an active member of Carmi Kiwanis, Wabash Regional Planning Committee, Friends of the Library, White County Historical Society, and board member of the Guardian Center.  He serves on the board of the SIC Foundation and a member of the Carmi Chamber of Commerce.

“I just want to say thank you all so very, very much.  This is very touching for me.  This is a wonderful city.  It’s a great place to live, work, and be.  It’s a great honor to work and serve the folks here.  I am very blessed to have received this.”
Outgoing Chamber President Doug Devore presented the two business awards.

The chamber recognized Plum Street Pharmacy and Owner Andy Gee as the Small Business of the Year.  Devore said the business is relatively new but has filled a void in the community.

“Most of you know the history of Plum Street Pharmacy and how they came to be.  When the local pharmacy was bought out by a competitor, it left a hole.”

“Sure there are other pharmacies in town but none of them have a drive up window, none of them deliver medicines to customers, and none have the personal relationships with their customers that a truly locally owned and operated pharmacy could.  That’s why Andy Gee, who was employed at that pharmacy, decided to open his own.”

Wabash Christian Retirement Center was named Large Business of the Year.  Devore said the center provides economic benefits, healthcare services, volunteer opportunities, and meets spiritual needs in the community.

“Their mission statement states that they exist to honor God by providing continuing excellent care and support services, primarily for older adults.  The 158 bed facility, nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood on five acres is well-kept, manicured property and provides a clean and safe residential environmental for senior citizens.”

The facility employs 200 people with a payroll of $4.2 million.  Devore noted the center recently added a chapel and hired local contractors for the construction.

Their physical therapy department employs 16 full-time therapists with state of the art equipment for in-patient and out-patient treatment.

By: WROYWRUL News
Oct 7th, 2013

(Carmi)-The Chamber of Commerce annual dinner is a time of transition for officers and the board of directors.  Dr. Clint Taylor will replace Doug Devore as President of the Chamber.

Devore has been instrumental in the creation of a revised set of by-laws for the chamber.  Those new rules were formally adopted at Monday’s dinner.  The by-laws included a reorganization of the leadership structure and committees as well as new articles on membership.

Devore noted several other chamber accomplishments in the past year.  They’ve developed a budget (approx. $62,000) and changed the structure of membership (now based on number of employees).  The chamber has reestablished its Business After Hours social.  Three events have already been held with two more planned in November and December.

The chamber puts on several events which enhance life in the community.  These events include the White County Christmas celebration and the 4^th of July fireworks.  The chamber has established a new Yard of the Month program.  They have also expanded their relationship with the school system, including the establishment of four new $250 grants.

Incoming President Dr. Clint Taylor says the city has great material resources but its most valuable commodity is its people.  His goals for the next year include creating more industry and better jobs, assisting schools financially, providing better recreational opportunities, and stopping “the brain drain.”

Taylor says many of the “best and brightest” students go elsewhere for employment after college.  Taylor believes the chamber can help solve many of these problems.

Aside from Taylor, the 2013-2014 Chamber Officers include Executive Director Ray Mitchell, Vice-President Debbie Hoskins, 1^st Vice President Andy Acord, Treasurer Caleb Hughes, and Past President Doug Devore.

 

By: Jc Tinsley
Aug 12th, 2013
(Carmi)-Nominations are currently being accepted for three awards the Carmi Chamber of Commerce will present in October.

The public, not just chamber members or officers are welcome to nominate a Citizen of the Year as well as Large and Small Businesses of the Year.  Executive Director Ray Mitchell posted information in the latest Chamber newsletter on how to make nominations for each of the categories as well as how those nominations will be judged.

Citizen of the Year nominations will be considered for their involvement and contributions over the last year as well as over their lifetime or citizenship.  They’re also looking for letters that show the nominee’s strength of character.

Obviously, single letters supporting a nominee are welcome, but multiple letters from a variety of people over the years have certainly helped and made a difference in the nominees selection.  Keith Hoskins was the recipient of the 2012 award.  He was recognized for his volunteer work and service as school board president.

If there’s a business in Carmi that you feel has gone the extra mile or provides an important service to the community, you’re encouraged to nominate them as well.

Large businesses are those with 11 or more employees while small businesses considered have 10 or less staff.  Anyone is welcome to nominate a business for the award.  Only chamber member businesses will be considered however.

A full list of member businesses is available online via the city’s website at www.cityofcarmi.com.  Past winners include, Jo’s Merle Norman, the Hale Body Shop, Elastec American Marine and O’Daniel Trucking, Incorporated.
Nominations must be made in letter form and should be returned to the Carmi Chamber of Commerce office by September 7th.  Winners will be announced at the Chamber’s annual Dinner on October 7th at First Christian Church in Carmi.

By: WROYWRUL News
Aug 13th, 2013

(Carmi)-First Insurance Agency proudly welcomes Toby Brown to its team as Insurance Producer.

Brown comes to First Insurance from Elastec-American Marine in Carmi.  Prior to that, he spent over a year working for local State Farm agent, James Cook.

Brown is probably best known throughout the community as the former sports editor for The Carmi Times, a position he held from 2000 to 2012.  Prior to that, he worked for WROY/WRUL Radio for seven years.

Brown is still very involved in the local sports scene.  He continues his role as the official statistician for the Bulldog football team and as the public address announcer for the Carmi-White County High School volleyball, girls’ basketball and wrestling teams.

A graduate of Carmi-White County High School, Brown attended Murray State University where he attained his B.A. in Radio-Television.

Please join First Insurance in welcoming Toby.  His office is located inside of First Bank’s downtown office located at 201 E. Main Street in Carmi. He can be reached at (618) 382-4656 or tbrown@firstbank.bz.

First Insurance Agency has offices in Carmi, Grayville and Mt. Carmel. Additional information can be found atwww.FirstBank.bz/Insurance.