The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce held an Open House Friday evening to discuss future plans and gain input from members.
Outgoing President Siretha Howe says the chamber is in a rebuilding mode following the resignation of Jessiycka Coleman late last year. She says their ultimate goal is to create value for members.
“We want to bring tourism to Salem,” Howe said. “We want to be able to market our businesses and their events and their sales and all those things. We want to be their right hand. We’re a tool for them.”
Howe says the chamber board has already accomplished one goal.
“We have brand new website. Our old website is gone, so if you go to salemilchamber.community, you can already see the value to our membership has increased. We have so many options that are coming up through there, potential podcasts in the future with training, lessons, and tips, things like that. I encourage everyone to get on there and browse what is there, and if they have any questions, critiques, or suggestions, we are all ears and willing to take everything into consideration.
The website contains a listing of members and a community calendar.
Howe says they are not yet advertising for a new executive director and still need to also decide if the position will be fulltime or part-time.
“We want to make sure the chamber is heading in the right direction and being a value first before we just try to throw someone in that seat. We want to create a position that’s also value, being good stewards of the membership and having someone that’s also going to feel that same way.
The chamber board has decided not to hold the awards gala this year as they reorganize. The annual Golf Outing has been set for May 15th at the Salem County Club. The monthly luncheons have been reestablished for the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Salem Elk’s. The first one will be March 26th when Salem Mayor Nic Farley will present the State of the City Message.
