Happy December!
Thank you for making the time to read this month's Chamber Chronicle. Whether you celebrate Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah or none of the above, it is inevitably a very busy month!
As we head into the final days of the of the year, it is with gratitude that I look back at 2023 and all the Chamber's activities:
- welcoming 37 new members (so far...)
- hosting a SOLD OUT Heart of the Community Awards
- presenting a Golf Scramble with 11% more participants and TWICE as many sponsors
- forging a brand new partnership with the Webster Grove School District's THRIVE Young Entrepreneur program, culminating in a standing-room-only pitch competition in November
- securing a new Lunch & Connections location for each monthly meeting, and a great program of speakers at each
- scheduling Coffee & Connections events at brand new and veteran member business locations throughout the Webster Groves, Shrewsbury, Rock Hill and Brentwood communities
- growing the Board of Directors for the 2024 calendar year
- coordinating 8 Ribbon Cutting ceremonies, welcoming new (and re-opening) businesses to the area
- producing a fun, safe, and MUCH WARMER Santas on the Loose event last week
- and SO MUCH MORE!
None of these things would be possible without the many, many volunteers, member organizations, city officials and residents of Webster Groves, Shrewsbury, Rock Hill and Brentwood. You are amazing, and have made this a spectacular year!
On that note, I'd like to announce that I am leaving the Chamber of Commerce for a new opportunity this week. While I will miss my friends in the Chamber, I will surely continue to see (and support!) you all, as I am a resident of Rock Hill after all! The Chamber will remain in the good hands of Membership Manager Tamera Clair and a very talented, dedicated Board of Directors.
Speaking of, I hope you will join me in congratulating 2024's slate of officers: Jake Burrola, President; Jennifer Starkey, Vice President; Valery Welch, Director of Finance; Ree Hamlin, Director of Membership; and Nikki Lemley, Director of Community Engagement. Please also welcome new Board of Directors Katherine Poppen, Danny Sigman, Elizabeth Freshour, Greg Wagner and Spencer Owens. Finally, please join me in thanking outgoing Directors Kimberly Whitaker and Shari Tucci for their years of service.
Thank you all for the warm welcome and support throughout the year, and I wish you all health & happiness in 2024!
Best wishes,
Karen
