SCRCC discusses goals and priorities for 2023

SCRCC Director Kathy Reinke highlighted that the core values of the Spencer County Regional Chamber of Commerce are integrity, service, collaboration, and advocacy. Items they are going to be bringing a focus to are member connections and events, such as the morning brew meetings, the annual golf outing, or something new to create connections.

The chamber of commerce would also like to start creating videos to highlight chamber members and their business or organizations, and highlight that interactivity between the chamber members.

Reinke added that they also want to focus on engaging their chamber members and bring it to a focus for chamber members to become chamber ambassadors. This program is for chamber members that want to become involved with putting together events and going out to visit the other members within the county.

Education resources are another focal point for the chamber this year. They want to help local businesses with education in regards to their social media presence and get more involved with the schools with education and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Reinke also explained they are working with the county health department and commissioners to put together a resource to provide clarity on the steps and processes for those wanting to open a locally owned business.

Retention, communication and recruitment are more factors that the chamber will be focusing on. The organization is funded fully by chamber members and support from event sponsors, so gaining more membership and community support is always a highlight of the chamber.

Another topic discussed during the meeting was community development, which helps with bringing more people into Spencer County.

Member satisfaction and questionnaires will be another priority this year to gain feedback on the chamber.

The importance of assisting local towns and municipalities by identifying ways to improve their community by creating both housing and business was discussed as well.

The chamber wants to understand the kind of issues local businesses, big or small, are facing with a focus on advocacy.

Reinke highlighted the great relationship that the chamber has with the state and federal government entities, and with state representatives and congressmen.

Other possible focuses for the chamber this year are going to be angel wing murals, parks, trails, Lincoln benches, and a mention of a possible future podcast.

Reinke then directed the conversation to the chamber members in the room seeking further ideas and focuses for the year.

Commissioner Heather Gries highlighted the importance of sharing ideas with each other and getting more involved, and how that can benefit the community.

Reinke added on to that idea and how volunteering at local events can benefit the community as a whole, and that there are so many opportunities out there to get involved with.

Wayne Blake with PSC brought up the eclipse committee, and the approaching total eclipse that will be occurring in 2024 and how that will have an impact on the number of people staying and visiting the county at the time.

The Spencer County Alliance, which consists of Spencer County Community Foundation, Spencer County Tourism, Spencer County Economic Development, and the chamber have also been working on gathering information to place into the new informative Spencer County website.

After discussion amongst chamber members, the January Morning Brew networking event and meeting concluded.