Brenda Clifton, president and CEO of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce, and Administrative Assistant Kim Jernigan recently presented a program for the Livingston Lions Club.
“The mission of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the success of business, tourism and civic interests of Polk County and to promote the quality of life for all citizens,” Clifton said.
“Right now, we’re right at 450 members of our chamber. We’re a nonprofit made up of local business owners and professionals. We offer learning lunches, various classes and quarterly membership luncheons which are funded by our membership dues,” Clifton said.
“We have an executive board, a board of directors and about 40 ambassadors. We have various networking opportunities and would love to have you join us,” Clifton said referring everyone to the chamber’s website, polkchamber.com, which features an events calendar in which members may add their own events.
“The ambassadors are a volunteer work force. Without the ambassadors and board, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Clifton said.
Jernigan took the opportunity to review some of the chamber’s upcoming events for the year.
“Our next event is the 90th annual awards gala on Jan. 29 where we will present awards for small business of the year, large business of the year, nonprofit organization of the year and Polk Countian of the year,” Jernigan said.
“We’ll have our annual bowling tournament on March 23 at Triple J Lanes. We’re planning a shot in the dark golf tournament on April 17 at the Livingston Municipal Golf Course. Our annual business bitez expo is scheduled for May 5 and will have a Cinco de Mayo theme,” Jernigan said.
“Our seventh annual State Championship Smoke in the Pines Barbecue Cook-off will be June 26-27 at Pedigo Park. We’re hoping to add a kids zone and we’re trying to add more vendors,” Jernigan said, adding that there will also be a cornhole tournament.
“And we’re bringing back Diva Night on Nov. 5 for the ladies,” she said.
“The first Monday of each month is Food Truck Mondays. Members set up for free and non-members pay $50. We have picnic tables with umbrellas for shade,” Jernigan said.
Annual membership dues for the chamber are at different levels based on the number of employees, whether or not it is a non-profit, and for individual or retirees. Located at 1001 US 59 Loop North in Livingston, the chamber office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Everyone was encouraged to follow the chamber’s Facebook page.
