ABOUT THE CHAMBER
CHAMBER LEADERSHIP
CHAMBER MISSION
WHY JOIN THE CHAMBER?
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT
The Chamber of Commerce is a
catalyst--a common vehicle through which businesses
and professional people work together for the common
good of the community. The Chamber of Commerce is
located in the historic Depot.
Beautification Programs
One of the first things noticed by people visiting a
city is its cleanliness. The Chamber feels that part
of its responsibility is to showcase our community
assets. Spiffin' Up Newton is our litter free
campaign. Committees work year-round on numerous
projects.
Business Expansion and Retention
Business expansion is vital to the growth of small
cities. Over the past ten years hundreds of new jobs
have been created through the expansion of existing
businesses and industries in Newton. Newton's retail
sales have also increased significantly because of
these expansions, providing additional revenue for
the businesses and much-needed sales tax revenue for
the city. The City of Newton realizes the value of
its existing business base and strives to create a
pro-business environment for growth and development.
So, whether your business is large or small, we
invite you to locate in Newton.
Promoting Tourism
Tourism in Mississippi is growing like a wildfire.
Newton, through its long-range planning process, has
taken steps to assure that Newton can benefit from
this growth. Known as "Newton...A Great Small Town
Tour," this fair city's tour has been host to
numerous groups who have enjoyed true Southern small
town hospitality. Groups usually are composed of
senior citizens who are affiliated with a church
group; however, the tour is looking to expand to
school age children. Groups touring Newton see a
mixture of past and present. From the Hidden Springs
Arabian Horse Farm to the Historic Roxy Theatre,
Newton is fast becoming a hot ticket.
Improving our Community's Resources
Newton Station Depot is a wonderful example of the
Chamber helping Newton to "come together as one."
From 1967 to 1980, the Depot was used as a private
storage facility. The Chamber banded together with a
group of concerned citizens to restore the treasure
and in 1992 the Chamber moved into the front office
of the Depot. It also contains a boardroom, kitchen,
the warehouse space and La-Z-Boy Park--all of which
are rented for special events. The Depot is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places
Honoring Exemplary Citizens
Each year, the Chamber of Commerce takes time to
honor individuals who have shown outstanding
dedication and commitment to the Newton community.
The Man and Woman of the Year are the highest honors
one can receive from the Chamber. Named each year at
the annual Banquet, these individuals are nominated
and voted on by the general membership of the
Chamber. Aside from receiving their engraved
plaques, the Outstanding Citizens are the Grand
Marshals for the annual Christmas parade.
Growing Community Pride & Spirit
A close-knit community is a strong community. At the
Chamber, we try very hard to encourage teamwork and
community spirit in all of our citizens. Through the
annual Christmas Parade, Fall/Harvest and Christmas
Decorating contests, our annual Chamber of Commerce
Banquet, as well as the as political forums, we try
to hold events where the public has a large interest
or can be actively involved. By doing this, the
Chamber feels that the city of Newton can become
more like a family.
Our Mission
“The
object of the Newton Chamber of Commerce
shall
be to promote the economic, civic
and
social welfare of Newton and vicinity.”
Chamber Leadership
2006-2007 Board of Directors
John King, President
Rachel Beeland, Vice President
Ann Blackburn, Secretary-Treasurer
2 year term directors
Kay Crenshaw
Ricky Maske
Ron Davis
Lynn Pace
Dottie Armstrong
Lisa Jay
Amanda McElroy
1 year term directors
Sonya McCormick
Mary Ann Walker
Linda Kirby
Addie Warren
Corporate Sponsors
Joel Nelson -
Newton Co. Bank
Chuck Grogan -
La-Z-Boy
Andy Rowzee-
Esco
Tim Thomas -
Newton Regional Hospital
Coleen Stevens -
Regions Bank
Robert Logan -
City of Newton
Clint Sampson -
Wal-Mart
Mike Butler-Garvin's
Piggly Wiggly
Ann Blackburn-BankPlus
Why join the Chamber?
For starters the Chamber is a sounding board, a
cheerleader, an organizer of events, a force
behind economic development, and outlet for
complaints, the greeter for newcomers, and an
information center for our city. Please find
below a list of benefits you receive by being a
member of the Newton Chamber of Commerce:
-
Professional staff on call to help you
-
Free
exposure to the many potential customers
through our website
-
Business
referral service. As questions come into our
office about business we refer them to
chamber members.
-
Newcomer
information provided by our staff.
(brochures, maps, etc.)
-
Support the
beautification emphasis in our city.
Participation in “Keep America Beautiful”.
-
Support the
Education Programs through our schools-
supporting our children by being on the
local advisory committee for Cooperative
Education.
-
Sponsor the
Newton County Miss Hospitality Pageant.
-
Sponsor the
Annual Chamber Banquet
-
Provide any
needed assistance to local merchants.
-
Sponsor the
Annual Christmas Parade.
-
Work with
merchants in holiday promotion for area
business and lighting of the City Christmas
Tree
-
Provide
assistance by our staff with United Givers
Fund Campaign.
-
Coordinate
the Traveler’s Fund for wayward travelers in
need.
-
Provide
membership plaques and ribbon cuttings for
new businesses.
-
Provide and
participate with local community development
clubs.
-
Provide
monthly newsletter and local newspaper
articles.
-
Member of
Area III Tourism where we advertise our city
in various publications and special events
calendars throughout the state
-
Member of
Mississippi Development Authority
-
Member of
Mississippi Economic Development Council,
Inc.
-
Member of
the State Chamber of Commerce- Promotional
ideas
-
Credibility
for your business
-
Networking
opportunities
-
Sponsor of
“Loose-Caboose Festival”
-
Promote and
schedule tours “Newton- A Great Small Town”
This is not the complete list of your benefits
but certainly you can see that your annual dues
are just a drop in the bucket for the things
that you receive from our office. Being a part
of an action agency who has Newton’s best
interest at heart is the number one reason for
being part of the Newton Chamber of Commerce.
Corporate Sponsorship
How is my company recognized? You
will be recognized at all chamber functions as a
corporate sponsor such as The Loose Caboose
Festival, Chamber Banquet, Comedy Hour, Gospel
Talent Festival, The Christmas Parade, The
Silent Auction, Teachers Appreciation Breakfast
and Luncheon, The Tour of Homes, The Gingerbread
contest, The Miss Hospitality Contest, and other
special events sponsored by the Chamber both
verbally and printed material such as banners,
programs, T-shirts, and advertising.
How often will my company
be recognized? The chamber host many
functions throughout the year. We try to have
an event each month, with the main events being
in April, March, June, July, October, November,
and December.
Where will this recognition take
place? Most all the events will be in Newton
County, but we do attend events associated with
other organizations that would take the name and
logo of your company to other locations.
In
the presence of whom will my company be
recognized? Most of the events take place
within the county, so your company and the logo
would be in front of Newton County Citizens that
live and work in the community. Again, we do
attend other events that would allow your
company to be recognized outside the county such
as Area III Tourism of which Newton is a member.
This allows us to be involved with 12
surrounding counties to raise awareness of
scenic roads, historic homes, fun festivals and
shopping locations.
The following list of counties meet
monthly: Attala, Clarke, Clay, Kemper,
Lauderdale, Leake, Monroe, Neshoba, Newton,
Noxubee, Oktibbeha and Winston.
If you have further questions, please contact
the Chamber.
Membership
Investment
Schedule
$25 Retirees,
non-business owner
$25 Public Officials,
clergy, educators
$40 Home-Based
Business
$80 Clubs
$100 Pat Harrison
$100 Country Clubs
$300 Utilities
$500 Banks, Cellular
Companies
$80 Small Business
with no full time employees
$100 Small Business with
1-3 employees
$125 Small Business with
4-6 employees
$150 Small Business with
7-9 employees
$175 Small Business with
10-12 employees
$200 Small Business with
13-15 employees
$225 Small Business with
16-20 employees
$300 Medium Business
with 21-30 employees
$350 Medium Business
with 31-40 employees
$400 Medium Business
with 41-50 employees
$475 Medium Business
with 51-75 employees
$550 Medium Business
with 76-100 employees
$650 Large Business with
101-200 employees
$750 Large Business with
201-300 employees
$850 Large Business with
301-400 employees
$950 Large Business with
401-500 employees
$1100 Large Business with
501-750 employees
$1250 Large Business with
751-above employees
