Welcome our newest members: Tar River Land Conservancy and Tar River Boy Scouts of America. Land trusts like Tar River Land Conservancy are grassroots nonprofit organizations that permanently protect drinking water, wildlife and other natural resources important to our local communities. The Tar River Land Conservancy preserves the natural and cultural resources of the Tar River Basin by working in partnership with private landowners, businesses, public agencies, and others to protect rural landscapes and riparian corridors. The Tar River Boy Scouts of America provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and develops personal fitness. The Boy Scouts of America believes that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible and productive society. Hat’s off to these two organizations for making our community a better place to live.

Chamber annual meeting – Join us Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. at The Fountains at The Albemarle for a year in review and the announcement of the 2010 Tarboro Edgecombe Citizen of the Year. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and adult beverages will be served.

2010 Citizen of the Year – Nominations are now being accepted for Tarboro Edgecombe Citizen of the Year for 2010. Nomination forms may be obtained online at www.tarborochamber.com, in your Chamber newsletter or at the Chamber office at 509 Trade St.

2010 Chamber Membership Invoicing – In 2010 the Chamber will once again offer its tiered membership investment formula so that you can continue to choose an investment level that best meets the needs of your business. Tiered membership offers four different levels to choose from with each level clearly identifying the products and services it offers. Each increase in level provides more benefits and is a better value than purchasing the same products and services separately.  

When you invest in the Chamber of Commerce, you’re instantly opening doors to growing your professional network. You are part of an organization of more than 210 members, which gives you access to a powerful network of business experts. Your Chamber also makes hundreds of telephone, walk-in and e-mail referrals to the public. Also, please remember that the Chamber has always been known as the primary source of information and the place to look for area businesses, goods and services. Finally, in addition to the already mentioned services, your Chamber office also currently houses the Tarboro Visitors Center.

Business After Hours – It’s time to start booking the Chamber’s 2010’s monthly Business After Hours. Business After Hours is usually held the second or fourth Thursday of the month from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. and is the premier networking event for business owners and professionals. BAH gives members the opportunity to discuss and share ideas while showcasing the host business. Call the Chamber to reserve your month to host the next Chamber Business After Hours 823-7241.

Members Should Take Full Advantage of free Chamber member benefits – As a Chamber member, there is an array of services the Chamber offers for free on the Chamber Web site.

Did you know, Chamber members can post their sales and specials on the Chamber Web site in the form of Hot Deals? Once you post a Hot Deal a coupon is created for shoppers and consumers to print off.

Post events on the Chamber’s Calendar of Events. This is a free service that is available to any Edgecombe County business or community organization. From the Chamber’s Website at www.tarborochamber.com click on Calendar of Events then click on submit new event and fill in the blanks. it’s that simple.

Update Your Chamber Web page – Members can login to the Members Only site and make changes to your business’s Chamber Web page. This includes updating your business representative information, adding key search words, posting directions to your business and hours of operation and much more. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 823-7241 for your business’s login name and password.

JoBeth Cobb is the offce manager for the Tarboro Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce.