Chamber begins setting goals, agenda

While it's not an official slogan, it's something newly elected chamber of commerce leaders are taking seriously: Change.

The recently elected board - with its new chair Teresa Adams-Wilks - and new president Mike Alexander met last week to discuss some of the changes.

Decisions and questions will be taken to the membership at Thursday's regular meeting.

One of the big issues the board feels it needs to address was upon the suggestion of outgoing chamber board president Joe Moody.

At the December board meeting, Moody said the money accumulated for the chamber's building fund - started long ago - needed to be addressed. And current board members intend to carry out that duty.

Begun years ago, the fund had grown to about $23,000 from donations - but it's not enough to fund a building - nor do many members feel a building should be a top priority now.

"I'm just not sure if we are financially ready to finance a building, staff and upkeep," said board member Larry Morgan.

The board discussed various scenarios, but each member present knew the first step: Contact the donors.

"Many of these donors won't want the money back because of tax reasons," said board member Darline McKay. "But we definitely want to talk to all of them about what each would like to do with the donation."

As it stands, the money is sitting in an interest-bearing account.

The board made no official decision but plans on contacting donors to possibly either meet with them or see what can be done to carry out their wishes.

Meanwhile, Alexander knows it's going to be a trying year.

With more businesses moving into the area, he believes the chamber's role is expanding and the chamber should work to expand with it.

"Bullard is changing before our eyes, and a strong chamber must be involved to bring both current and future Bullard-area business people together," Alexander said. "The chamber should and will be actively involved with both the city and its economic development group to foster relationships"

Alexander said cooperation is key, and the role of the chamber must be clear.

"Chamber efforts should help promote and keep businesses in the area through shared information, networking events and special programs," he said.

The Bullard chamber - held completely together by volunteers - faces its own issues.

"Chamber successes are the result of the hard work of many dedicated volunteers. Without the volunteers, this organization could not function," he said. "We have no paid staff; we rely completely on the hard and selfless work of the members."

But he knows that - despite the challenges - this year will bring about change.

"We have a great board, and under their leadership, I know we can continue to build on what's been passed down to us," Alexander said. "I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead and making this a great year for members and the entire community."

If you go:

The Bullard Chamber of Commerce will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church.

The public is welcome to attend.

For more information, call the chamber at 903-894-4238.