About the Chamber
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Chamber Committees & Councils

As a member, your participation in the Chamber's decisions and direction is welcome – and critical to our community's growth and prosperity. Below is a list of Chamber Committees and Councils, one or more of which you may choose to join.  Dates and times are subject to change. Please call 873-2931 to confirm meeting times.

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MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE
Meeting schedule: 4th Wednesday  at  4:00 P.M.
Committee Chair: Johnny Bevon
Staff Support: Rita Berry

Mission: Increase the number of new members, while increasing the qualified
Goals:

• Develop a plan to grow the number of members
• Develop a marketing plan to increase the visibility of the Chamber in the community
• Develop and implement a plan to increase / improve the products and services we offer to our members
• Conduct a member survey regarding issues and the value of membership
• Look for ways to further develop area councils by growing membership and participation in the councils and identifying meaningful local projects

MARKETING COMMITTEE
Meeting Schedule:  3rd Monday at 3:30 P.M.
Committee Chair:  Shari Schleis                                                                                                           
Staff Support:  Rita Berry

Mission: To generate interest in the Chamber through new and existing marketing channels
Goals:

• Identify and act on various channels of communication
• Communicate effectively through partnerships with members
• Solidify a brand strategy that is a reflection of our Chamber for the next five years

OAKBROOK COUNCIL
Meeting Schedule:  3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm
Committee Chair:  Monica Karam                                   
Staff Support: Melony Are

Mission: Identify and address concerns affect that effect business in the Oakbrook Business Community
Goals:

• Develop a strong network of businesses in the Oakbrook business community
• Promote a business environment that builds awareness of products and services available in the Oakbrook area
• Address issues that pertain to conducting business in the Oakbrook business area

NORTH MAIN COUNCIL
Meeting Schedule:  Quarterly
Committee Chair:  Tony Pope                                   
Staff Support: Rita Berry

Mission: Address issues and concerns that impact businesses in the North Main area of the business community.
Goal:

• To formulate a plan to acquaint the business community to the area in order to fulfill the sense of inclusiveness
• Address issues and concerns that pertain to doing business in the North Main area of Summerville/Dorchester County. 

HISPANIC COUNCIL
Meeting Schedule:  3rd Thursday at 8:00 am
Committee Chair:  Jenny Morgan/Ceci Collins                                   
Staff Support: Rita Berry

Mission: To bring together the needs of the Hispanic Community and the Business Community in the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County area
Goals:

• Encourage participation in the recently formed support group that addresses the specific needs of the Hispanic Community
• Continue awareness of the Guidelines of the Immigration Ordinance set forth by Dorchester County.

PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE
Meeting Schedule:  1st Tuesday at  8:00 A.M.
Committee Chair:  Sean Bennett                                   
Staff Support:  Rita Berry

Mission: Be the voice of business regarding public policy issues
Goals:

• Develop a plan highlighting how the Chamber can serve as a key contributor to the discussion of issues on growth / managing growth
• Develop and/or implement a plan to be more proactive regarding legislative issues
• Develop and implement a plan to become more active with local council and other elected leaders
• Have a legislative reception/events to keep our members up to date on major issues as a way to remind politicians that the Chamber equals votes and financial support
• Develop and implement a program to increase grassroots activism from the business community