PARRETT PLEASED WITH CHAMBER'S WORK IN '99

Jackson Chamber of Commerce membership has increased 28.5 percent during the past 14 months. This, and a number of new chamber initiatives, gives Ken Parrett, executive director, reason to look back fondly at 1999.

"We've taken the chamber in a new direction," Parrett said. "It's very motivating to me to see the little changes we've made and how they affect the big picture."

The chamber has placed fresh emphasis on serving its client/members. Parrett wants members to realize they are "not just members of an organization; They are our customers."

The chamber adopted an acronym for its mission. RAISE stands for Representation within the business community; Access to a vast amount of resources; Information to assist in your business endeavors; Solutions to problems; and Economic development for the betterment of he community.

Parrett was quick to praise the Board of Directors as "progressive and forward-thinking." Current members are President Darrell Aufdenberg, Vice President Val Tuschoff, Secretary/Treasurer Brad Elfrink, Brent Wills, Gina Bader, Larry Hall, Vickie Rinehart, Jennifer Carona-Smith, Howard Alexander, Gene Penzel and Paul Sander.

"I couldn't ask for a better Board of Directors," Parrett said. "It's a team concept. What we've tried to do is get all the members of the team involved."

Among the 1999 accomplishments Parrett listed was establishing "a critical link" with the R-2 School District, hiring an executive secretary, presenting an Educator of the Year award, holding its annual golf tournament, holding its annual installation banquet (featuring gubernatorial candidate Jim Tallent); and sponsoring two free business seminars. The chamber also held it annual picnic in August, took part in he Industrial Appreciation Banquet in October, established the monthly After-Hours get-togethers and took part in more than 20 new business ribbon-cuttings.

"I've had some super, super co-workers working with me," Parrett said. "Our executive secretary is much more than an executive secretary. Amy (Evans) and now Linda (Wilson) have both realized that it's not a job, it's a position. Anything people see you doing outside the office is going to be associated with the chamber. They've both been great."

Parrett said the chamber has "many plans and ideas" for 2000.

"What 1999 has shown us is that is we put a little effort into it and get a little help, we can get it done," he said.

While he would like to see the chamber's total of 318 members grow, his goal is to retain the current members.

"Our goal is to lose zero of the current members," he said. "If I could make current members happy enough to stay, that's my goal."

The chamber is preparing a survey to allow members to evaluate its performance.

Parrett would like to see the chamber's financial base increased, to allow it to offer more to its members. New business and industry for the community is also a constant pursuit. Parrett stressed that the types of businesses "that best suit the community" are being sought.

One big emphasis for 2000 is the census. Parrett calls it "maybe the most important census Jackson has ever taken." With 11,800 citizens at last estimate, the odds are great that a thorough and accurate count could boost the city to an official mark of over 12,000. This, Parrett, stressed, is a key.

"A 12,000 population is a key to a lot of retailers and manufactures considering us," he said. "That's the bottom line figure for many corporations, looking to relocate. It's very important to get the census forms filled out and turned in."

Parrett would also like to see members take advantage of the chamber's services more. In addition to the monthly newsletter and Monday Morning Memos, the chamber has FAX service, mailing labels, sue of the chamber board room and web site listing with discounted links available, among other advantages.