suwanneechamber.com

Suwannee County Economic Alliance

Dennis Cason, President

Helping Suwannee County Grow  

What is The Suwannee County Economic Alliance?

 

“Who do you work for?”

“What is your job?”

“Oh, aren’t you the Chamber president?” 

These are questions that I have heard many times over the last few years as I have served as president of the Suwannee County Economic Alliance.  There is confusion about just what the Alliance is and understandably so.  Let us explain the different parts that make up the Alliance and how they all fit together.

The Suwannee County Economic Alliance was formed about 10 years ago as an umbrella for four distinct organizations: the Chamber of Commerce, the Council for Progress, the Development Authority and the Tourist Development Council with the primary goal of promoting Suwannee County.  Each organization has a specific and vital role to play. Continue reading to find out what each organization does.

Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce is probably the best known and most publicized organization under the umbrella of the Alliance.  Most everyone knows where to find it at 816 South Ohio, next to First Federal.  Keith Leibfried has graciously allowed the Chamber to locate its offices in the Hopkins house where we have been for a year and a half. It is a great office and if you haven’t been in, you should stop by to see the building.  Do you know the story about why Mr. Hopkins built his bedroom on the north side of the house?   We’ll tell you when you come by; more important you’ll also get a chance to meet Susan, our Member Services Director. 

The Chamber of Commerce is governed by a 12-member board.  The Chamber of Commerce is a cooperative group of businesses and individuals working together with the main goal of advancing the civic and social interests of its members and the community.    The Chamber works to maintain awareness of key issues at the local, state and federal levels and strives to increase awareness of the importance of buying locally. 

I hope you will read the “Suwannee Notes” that is published bi- monthly in the Suwannee Democrat. This newsletter has been sent to Chamber members for years, to keep them updated on what is going on, but recently the Board decided that the community could benefit from reading it as well.

The Chamber provides programs for local businesses and hosts Business After Hours and Chamber luncheons.  The Chamber sponsors ribbon cuttings for new businesses that have become members of the Chamber.  It also works to encourage growth, increase tourism and support local attractions and events.  Two awards are given at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet; the Citizen of the Year and the Trailblazer of the Year.  People who are new to the area use the Chamber as a source of information.  We receive calls on a regular basis asking if specific businesses are members of the Chamber of Commerce. We also get calls for all kinds of other information.  There aren’t many questions about the area that Susan and Michelle, our Assistant Member Services Director, can’t answer. But if they get stumped, they can tell you where to go to find out!

Of course, the Chamber’s walls are full of brochures about area attractions and events.  The largest event that the Chamber sponsors is Christmas on the Square and the Live Oak Christmas Parade.  These are held annually on the first Saturday in December. 

            In order to accomplish all that it does, the Chamber is supported by dues from its membership, and funds from the city and the county budgets.   If you are a member, we thank you.  If not, please consider joining.  Just contact a board member, or call Susan or me at 362-3071 and we’ll give you the details.