2007 Annual Report Letter for Madison County Chamber of Commerce

Vicky Bratton – 2007 President

Look for new venues in 2008 to increase your circle of clients.

Over the past year, our “We Mean Business” theme has come into play over and over again. Madison County and our chamber have witnessed major business growth. The chamber is serious about business development and a prospering County. Clients and customers are vital to any business and the Chamber keeps its networking opportunities in the forefront for Chamber members and future members. Look for new venues in 2008 to increase your circle of clients.

Growth in the county has been tremendous this year including major commercial, industrial, and residential developments. With so much going on, the Chamber brought their members the second annual, “Who’s Building What in Madison County?” luncheon. Builders and developers came together and showed the uniqueness of their own developments with their heartfelt passion regarding their projects. You can’t help but be proud of your County when you see the strong leaders that are involved. The area workforce added newly trained forklift drivers, through free classes offered in partnership with the Madison County Economic Development Authority and the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

The Board and the Chamber staff have made great strides in forming partnerships with key leaders in our community. The Chamber continues to host the Madison County Council of Governments, open to elected officials representing Madison County, including municipal and legislative. A well-attended Mortgage Fraud Seminar was designed by the Council of Governments to provide pertinent information to attendees.

The Madison County Chamber members are its strength and providing members with the tools to grow their business is our priority. The Chamber brought you the first of its kind, an impressive and informative Economic Symposium partnered with MCEDA with key speakers from all over the country. Sessions, jointly sponsored with the University of Southern Mississippi, on importing and exporting provided chamber members with valuable information for expanding into a global market.

WoW! Magazine continues to be the “must-read” for Madison County residents. With great advertising rates, lots of information, and fun stories to read, we expect explosive growth for this project in 2008.

Thank you for your continued support of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to being the “Catalyst for Madison County in 2008!”

Vicky Bratton,
2007 President of the Board

Buck Covington,
2008 President of the Board