Scott City renews chamber of commerce efforts

Just a week ago the future of the Scott City Chamber of Commerce was uncertain. Now chamber members feel more optimistic about the future, and they're set to mount an aggressive recruiting drive to bring new members into the organization.

Chamber president Paul Schock called for a meeting last Thursday to discuss the future of the organization. Schock was concerned there wouldn't be enough members to fill the board of directors when many current members are forced to step down due to term limits at the end of the year.

Members of the board are limited to three years.

Schock said the response to the meeting was strong. Several chamber members, including Mayor Tim Porch, owner of a local business, and city administrator Ron Eskew, who represents the city government on the chamber, stepped forward to help plan action.

"We got the dedication of about 12 members who are really wanting to make sure the chamber continues," Schock said. "The chamber members that were there said they don't want the chamber to close up, they want to see it still remain and be vital to the community and the businesses here in town."

At the chamber's next meeting Thursday at city hall, Schock said, a challenge will be issued to members to try to bring in two new members to participate in the organization.

Some new businesses have already pledged to join. Teresa Keller, owner of Teresa's Tender Heart Pet Grooming, said she is ready to join and be active.

"The chamber would be a good organization if people would just come together and work together," said Keller. "I just thought joining would help the town."

Keller said that she would consider being on the board of directors if she is needed.

"It's a great thing to see people coming together and trying to continue something that has value," said Schock.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182