MCOC joining in ‘Chamber Week’ celebration

Arkansas chambers holding week-long observance

news@theeveningtimes.com

The Marion Chamber of Commerce joined other members of the Arkansas Chamber community in celebrating Chamber of Commerce Week that began Monday. Chamber President and Economic Development Director Tracy Brick said she and other chamber officers will be visiting current chamber members and also recruiting new members within the next several days.

The Marion chamber was established in 1967 by area businessmen who contributed to the civic and economic betterment of Marion, Brick said. The mission of the chamber is still centered around those same goals, to promote commercial and economic growth and to foster civic improvements that benefit those who live in and around Marion.

“The chamber staff and board of directors work to provide the citizens of Marion with a strong business environment that increases employment, retail trade and commerce, and industrial growth.

“The organization encourages the growth of existing businesses, while encouraging new businesses and new residents to locate here,” Brick said.

Brick said the chamber hosts several fundraising events during the year and also coordinates events for the city such as Christmas on the Square and parade as well as the Sultana Disaster Conference.

Fundraising events are centered around community involvement and include quarterly networking luncheons, the Marion Countryside Ride, the Chamber/ Rotary Golf Tournament, the annual awards banquet as well as Hogs on the Square. The chamber is also under contract with the city to provide other services such as maintaining the city’s website and providing social media services.

Besides Brick serving as chamber president Cheryl Starling is office administrator and Madison Weaver as the chamber’s social media coordinator. Chamber office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until noon.