Ambassadors: Charged with promoting goodwill throughout the community on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. One of the group’s primary responsibilities includes planning, conducting and reporting of ribbon cuttings and business anniversary celebrations. Committee members may also be called upon for volunteer labor at Chamber sponsored events such as membership meetings, luncheons, information booths, etc. The committee meets monthly and averages two additional functions per month.
Awards / Banquet Committee: Charged with planning the year end Chamber Awards Banquet. The committee will be responsible for selecting the location, the caterer, the entertainment, sponsorship and marketing of the event. The Committee is also responsible for promoting the annual Chamber Awards, which include Volunteer of the Year; Man of the Year; Woman of the Year; Business of the Year; Hall of Fame; etc. The committee will select the recipients, and recognize each winner during the year end Awards Banquet. Additionally, the committee will develop criteria for our new volunteer and business of the month recognition program, select the monthly recipients and be responsible for recognizing each individual / business through the local newspapers.
Budget/Finance Committee: Consists of the Executive Committee members, who are charged with developing and monitoring the Chamber’s annual operating budget. The committee meets as needed.
Building Committee:
By-Laws Committee: Charged with conducting an annual review of the organization’s by-laws. Meets as needed and makes recommendations back to the Board of Directors concerning changes to our by-laws.
Christmas Parade Committee: Charged with planning and conducting the 23rd annual Twilight Christmas Parade to be held the first Saturday evening in December. The committee will promote the event throughout the community, receive applications for parade entries, line up the parade, oversee the awarding of prizes for winning floats, coordinate sponsorships, and select a grand marshal and judges.
Communications Committee: Charged with reviewing and updating the Chambers various communication/marketing tools. These will include the website, monthly newsletter, relocation packets, industrial development and retail packets, etc.
Dinner & Dance Committee: Charged with planning and conducting this special evening of dinner and dancing (Valentine’s Dance) for Chamber members and the general public. The committee will coordinate the food, entertainment, sponsorship and marketing of the February event.
Economic Development Committee: Meets monthly and may elect to form sub-committees within the group and meet more frequently in order to further the work of the Chamber. During the coming year, the committee will focus its efforts on industrial and retail recruitment, planning for a community center, an area technology center for Berea, tourism, transportation issues, and continued development of an entrepreneurial climate throughout our community. Additionally, the committee is responsible for an ongoing Shop Berea Campaign and developing strategies for promoting our community to visitors of the 2010 World Equestrian Games to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Economic Development Committee also works closely with the Public Affairs/Government Relations Committee on issues and projects.
Education & Workforce Development Committee: Charged with developing communications and networking opportunities among the Chamber and Berea’s manufacturing sector. The committee will plan various plant tours, assist with the industry appreciation luncheon, coordinate roundtable meetings with plant managers and human resource managers, and address workforce development issues.
Golf Scramble Planning Committee: Charged with planning and conducting the Chamber’s annual Golf Scramble, which may include a Putting Contest. The committee will coordinate the food, prizes, sponsorship and marketing of this spring event.
Membership / Retention Committee: The committee is primarily charged with developing and implementing all member recruitment and retention initiatives to include an annual membership drive. The committee also regularly reviews membership programs, services, and Chamber dues/investments. Major project for the coming year will be the publishing of the Chamber’s first membership directory and conducting three new member orientation programs. The committee meets monthly.
Nominating Committee: Charged with presenting a slate of officers to our Board of Directors in October of each year. They also receive nominations for new Board members and prepare an election ballot to be used in the annual Chamber election of the Board of Directors in November.
Past Presidents Council: Serves in an advisory capacity to the Chamber’s president, Executive Director and the current Board of Directors through a minimum of two meetings per year. The Council assist in our efforts to reach out to other Chambers.
Public Affairs/Government Relations Committee: Meets monthly and may elect to form sub-committees within the group and meet more frequently in order to further the work of the Chamber. The committee coordinates annual Legislative Briefings by our local legislators and interfaces with city, county and state government. Members of the committee make monthly presentations at City Council meetings providing Chamber Updates on our activities, projects and events. The Public Affairs/Government Relations Committee also works closely with the Economic Development Committee on issues and projects.
Spoonbread Festival Steering Committee: Charged with planning and conducting this three day community event. The committee will coordinate the exhibits, competitive events, food, fun park activities, entertainment, sponsorship and marketing of the September event.
Young Professionals Committee: Charged with creating a platform for capturing the energy, enthusiasm and talent of Berea and Madison County's young professionals 21 to 40 years of age. The committee will plan meaningful networking and educational opportunities to allow our community's future leaders to build relationships, develop professionally, become knowledgeable and active in the Chamber and other local organizations while contributing to our economic development efforts and other community and quality of life issues.