2019-06-27

2019-2020 Focus on Oak Grove City Guide Page 53 Service Chamber of Commerce T he Oak Grove Chamber provides leadership by connecting people, resources and opportunities within our community where we live, work and do business. The Chamber is formed of local business people interested in helping their fellow local businesses. Members a re promoted through the Cha mber of Commerce official area network, mobile app, calendar network and search eng ines. The Chamber is part of the ChamberAmerica network to enhance the way members are promoted throughout the country. Some chamber benefits are direct such as networking events and discounts on products and services which people use every day. Other benefits are indirect, such as advocacy for businesses. Annual Chamber of Commerce projects are the Taste of Country, an event to showcase local restaurants and entertainment establishments held in April at the Fieldhouse; a farmer’s market, held April through October on Broadway near the railroad tracks; the Panther Scholarship Golf Tournament, an event held in June to benefit local graduates; and SEPTFEST, a fall festival with food, vendors, entertainment, and family games to be held September 21 on Broadway. T he C h a mb er of C om mer c e de d ic at e s pr o c e e d s from the annual golf tournament to scholarships for graduating seniors. In 2019, the Chamber gave three $1,000 scholarships as well as coordinates with the Oak Grove Educational Foundation to provide opportunities for graduates. The Chamber holds an annual banquet in January where it recognizes community citizens, businesses and volunteers. The organization also assists in the planning of the Fourth of July celebration held at Bent Oak Park, the Trails for Treats trick-or-treating event in downtown, and the Christmas parade. The Chamber has taken on a number of projects to help the citizens and community, including starting a fund for Christmas lights on downtown businesses and a fund for a welcome sign for the city. Monthly luncheons are held the second Tuesday of every month and are open to the public. Members are encouraged to come early to socialize and network. Reservations should be made at the chamber website www.oakgrovechamber.com or the Facebook event page where individuals can pay online and stay up-to-date with Chamber happenings. Speakers as well as local members and businesses are part of the luncheon programs. Coffee and Conversation from 7-8 a.m. and Business After Hours events from 6-8 p.m. are held quarterly. The 2019 Executive Board of Directors are Toniann R ichard, president ; A my Hulse, treasurer; Teresa Stewart, director of community development; and Ruth Ann Hafner, secretary. To contact Stewart and the Chamber, call 816-690- 4147 or email at www.oakgrovechamber @ gmail.com. Correspondence also may be mailed to Post Office Box 586, Oak Grove. In order to build a vibrant and prosperous community t h rou gh bu si ness leader sh ip, t he Cha mb er helps businesses succeed, drives regional economic growth and enhances the quality of life of the community’s residents. The chamber encourages members and citizens alike to volunteer their time to the community in order to meet new people and become involved. The Oak Grove Chamber of Commerce gave three $1000 scholarships to students in 2019. From left, Angie Miller, Chamber member; scholarship winners Malinda Steiner, Maria Delgado and Olivia Johnson; and Kelly Henderson, Chamber member.