February 23, 2010
Lake City - Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is entering a new phase of service in the area. With over 680 members, the Chamber is a resource to local businesses that allows business people to interact and network with others in the area.
Previously, the Chamber Executive Director was on loan from the Columbia County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), however, the Chamber moved in a new direction and hired Dennille Roberts Folsom as the full time Executive Director.
Dennille is a native Lake City resident, CHS graduate and holds a Bachelors degree from University of Florida. Over the last 8 years, she has worked extensively in areas that are highly desirable in a chamber director. Having worked in the financial sector, media and consulting, Dennille has gained valuable experience that will allow her to promote individual businesses as well as the Greater Lake City area and be an advocate for those businesses. Dennille will have a directed focus to help member businesses grow, coordinate volunteers and members, and conduct the daily operations of the Chamber of Commerce as directed by the Board of Directors.
The Chamber announced that there will be several new changes beginning in the current calendar year. Besides bringing on a full time Executive Director, the Chamber has announced the development of a Community Relations Committee, and two new membership directives designed to bring in young professionals and individuals who would benefit from membership in the Chamber of Commerce. The following is a brief overview of the changes and their focus:
- Community Relations Committee
- fundraising
- plan and host community events
- increase Chamber diversity
- work with local schools
- work with the Government Relations Committee to host information sessions on pertinent issues such as taxation and business regulation
- Young Emerging Professionals
- Networking
- Ideas Exchange
- Peer Leadership
- Professional Growth
- Philathropy
- Individual Memberships
- Community Events notification
- Chamber Mixers
- Networking
- Open to Nurses, Teachers, Law Enforcement and Individuals
Dennille has invited anyone with an interest in business in Lake City and Columbia County to join the Chamber. The current dues for individuals is $75 a year and $195 for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. For a complete overview of the program presented you can download the powerpoint presentation here. Additionally you can connect to the Chamber website for news and information.
