Chamber Chatter

When people ask me what does the Chamber of Commerce do? I like to think I have a good supply of answers, but I also like to find out from the person asking what THEY think the Chamber does. I’m happy to say that a good majority of the time, the answers mirror one another. The Chamber is in the business of helping our member businesses promote themselves, their products and service, and work together in strengthening the economy AND community we live and work in. With nearly 300 members we’re working together to make the overall KENT EXPERIENCE a great one.

Some people are under the impression that we’re just about networking events. Mind you we did coordinate over 80 member-related events last year. When we asked our members what they’d like, they  said they wanted more opportunities to meet people and build relationships that lead to success, so that’s what we strive to provide.

The KACC Business After Hours (BAH) is experiencing a revitalization of sorts. So far this year we’ve had BAH’s at PARTA, The Gables of KentRidge, KP&R’s Fitness Center and just last evening at the Fairways of Twin Lakes. On March 11th, Bistro on Main will host a BAH from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Already scheduled is a BAH for the Portage Park District on April 10th. McKay Bricker Framing & Black Squirrel Gallery will host that event from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. If you’re interested in hosting a BAH, please let us know. We’ll get it on the schedule of events and help promote it for you in a future issue of CONNECTIONS, as well as in our Weekly Updates and monthly full-page, color ads in the Record Courier.

If you’ve got an idea for an event you think will benefit our members, by all means let us know. We’re more than happy to explore any opportunities that will add to the value of KACC membership.

We continue our efforts to collaborate with others, and this time with the Brimfield Chamber of Commerce. On Wednesday, April 2nd, Leanne Cannon of Dream Achievers Unlimited will speak on the topic – Mind Your Manners – Mind Your Business. This event will be held at the Gables of KentRidge. Stay tuned for more information.

The Business & Community Expo will be held at Theodore Roosevelt High School on Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. We have already received a good number of applications, so if you’re interested in participating in this growing event we suggest you get yours in soon to ensure a good booth spot. For your convenience, an application can be found on page 5. Last year over 120 vendors participated. Rio Neon, a local favorite will once again entertain the Taste of Kent crowd. Be sure to stop by and check out the local businesses on display.

Just a friendly reminder that the 2014 KACC Membership Drive concludes on April 1st…no foolin’! Don’t miss out on being included in the full-page, color ad that will run in the Record Courier in mid-April. If you misplaced the invoice mailed in mid-December, applications are available for your convenience at www.kentbiz.com in the APPLICATIONS tab.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the KACC – it is GREATLY appreciated!!!

Contact Us:
Lori M. Wemhoff – Executive Director
176 East Main Street
Suite 303
Kent, Ohio 44240
330.673.9855330.673.9855
lwemhoff@kentbiz.com