Newberry Observer

Chamber Feedback Requested

We are pleased to team with three students from a Newberry College Public Relations class to work on a membership survey. They have developed the survey, and after finalizing, we will send it via email to our Chamber membership. They will then analyze the data, and what I am most interested in is finding out the workshop and training topics from which you, or your business, could benefit. When you receive your survey, please carefully consider the possibilities and let us know what you need to better help us plan. For some events in which we are involved in the near future, keep reading.

The Newberry County Coalition on Underage Drinking will host the Second Annual Tom Perry Basketball Tournament on March 24 with the goal of forging positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. Last year’s attendance was great, and this year, there are over 100 youth registered to play in this event. If you are an adult who plays, even a little, or knows someone who does, I strongly urge you to consider registering to play. Don’t play? There are a number of other ways in which you can be involved. Terecia Wilson, the coordinator, would be happy to talk with you about how you can help. Contact her at 803-276-5690. Even if you just need a refresher that there is good in the world, this is an event that will have you leaving feeling better and more positive about the future.

Are you aged 21 through 40 and would like to meet similar aged individuals? Check out the Newberry County Young Professionals. They gather frequently for meals, socials and civic discussion. Check out all of their events on their Facebook page: Newberry YP’s, and let them know you will join them.

Along with Brook Health Care and Medical Services of America, the Chamber will again host the Senior Expo on April 4 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. This year’s event will be held at Newberry Academy located at 2055 Smith Road in Newberry. We urge our adult seniors, their caregivers and those interested in issues facing seniors, a free opportunity to spend a morning browsing a vendor resource fair and experiencing a variety of interactive programs. Learn more at NewberrySeniorExpo.com. The proceeds will benefit area senior programs through a grants program.

If you’re a fan of 70’s and 80’s music, the Newberry Groove ‘N Brewfest is the place to be on April 7. From 1:00 until 10:00 p.m., the Newberry Downtown Development Association (NDDA) is hosting this event with great bands, craft beers, food and vintage vendors, vintage cars, karaoke, and a costume contest. Groove ‘N Brewfest is intended as a fundraiser for the NDDA to create a pool of funding for economic development grants, with the first grant intended to help The Ritz Theatre with the purchase of a permanent sound system. Learn more at NewberryGrooveNBrew.com.

Although I have never played, we will host a Bunco Tournament on the evening of April 19. With the help of Kimberly Kitchens, our Ambassador from Servpro of Newberry and Laurens Counties, I aim to play Bunco with any of the fun-loving people who venture to do the same. Proceeds will go towards a scholarship program that we look forward to discussing more in the near future.

We welcome you to visit us on the first floor of Community Hall in downtown Newberry, located at 1209 Caldwell Street. You may also contact us at 803-276-4274 or chamber@newberrycounty.org.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Michelle-Long-3.jpg

Michelle Long

Contributing Columnist

Michelle Long is executive director of the Newberry Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at michelle@newberrycounty.org.