MEMBER-TO-MEMBER: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT FOR MAY 8, 2015

From Ryan Craig
Executive Director
Logan County Chamber of Commerce
ryancraig@loganchamber.com

   Have you ever seen someone get slobbering mad when they see an invention, new product or fad they had thought of once but never followed through with? My greatest moment of inventive frustration was when I saw my kids playing with those rubber bands shaped like animals and superheroes. Nearly two years before I first saw those rubber bands (also called Silly Bandz) I saw my sons trying to shape some rubber bands into a dog and a horse and I proclaimed, "I bet animal-shaped rubber bands would make a boatload of money!" I dismissed such a silly thought and have a much lighter bank account because of it.
   I was right, of course; the people who made those rubber bands were selling 10 cents of rubber for $2.99 a bag and, for a while at least, parents were glad to pay it. So, from then on I made a vow to consider any idea —  silly or not — because inspiration most often comes from real-life situations.
   This past week, I dropped my aluminum can (it was unopened) and it caused a dent right below the lip where you drink. I'm cheap, so, of course, I drank the soda, but while drinking it I noticed that it was as smooth a drink going down I've ever had, with a little notch for my lips to rest comfortably, no club soda dribbling down my shirt, no wife fussing at me during laundry time.
   Had I, by being a klutz, discovered a way to drink a soda that might revolutionize the soft drink industry?
   Probably not, but if any of you Logan Aluminum guys think I need a patent, I'm all ears!
   Soft drink millionaire or not, yours truly and the rest of the Chamber want your ideas, so feel free to contact me because your next idea just might improve the lives of not only our members but all of Logan County!

 LAST CHANCE TO FILL OUT SURVEY
   As of this writing, we have had 91 people fill out our Annual Survey to help the Chamber mold its upcoming Strategic Plan. Our goal is 100 surveys and we are hoping to get that by the deadline 4 p.m. on Monday (May 18) afternoon. Those who leave their names at the end of the survey are eligible for a drawing for one of two $50 gift certificates. So, if you want your voice heard by the your Chamber Board, please take this last opportunity to fill out our survey.

ANNUAL SURVEY LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C29WSC5

RIBBON CUTTING FOR SOUTHPOINT RISK ADVISORS

 

   There was a great crowd for the Ribbon Cutting for Southpoint Risk advisors (merged Jesse L. Riley & Son Insurance and the Insurance Place) this past Wednesday morning. In fact, the crowd was so great that we had to move cars and take the camera across the street just to get all the people in the photo! There was great food (How about those smoked sausage balls? I may never be the same!) and fellowship; congratulations to the staff at Southpoint Risk Advisors on their new business and location.

COFFEE AND NETWORKING SET FOR LOGAN CO. ADULT LEARNING
   The warm weather has us busy as a bumble bee trapped in a botanical garden, which is a good thing!  On Thursday (May 14) there will be a Coffee and Networking at the Logan County Adult Learning Center located at 121 S. Spring Street in Russellville from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Bring your empty stomach and some business cards and let’s all network the morning away while showing support for the Adult Education Center.

NOTE: The ribbon cutting for Handbags and More has been moved to June 4 @ 8 a.m.

STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING SEMINAR

   Also next Friday (May 15) will be the Human Trafficking, A Rising Epidemic: Kentucky Awareness For Women and Children Seminar located at Crossroads Church in Russellville. The Keynote speaker will be Vicki Moore, founder of Rahab’s Rope (a ministry to rescue victims of human trafficking). Moore, who is also a United Nations delegate, will speak about her experiences with human trafficking and how that if you think women and children aren’t in danger in your community, region or state, then you are not paying attention. Also, there will be a panel discussion on child endangerment and abuse, featuring State Rep. Martha Jane King, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Policy Center Richard Nelson, Russellville Mayor Mark Stratton and Chamber Executive Director, Russellville Schools Superintendent Leon Smith and owner of the Todd County Standard Ryan Craig.
   By just the names of the people who will be at the seminar, I can guarantee a life-changing experience for anyone who shows up at 6:30 p.m. next Friday at Crossroads. Please encourage your church members, your friends, family and especially teens and children to attend this important event.

SPORTS COMPLEX INITIATIVE UPDATE
   The Chamber is in the process of helping create a foundation for a four-field sports complex that will bolster the quality of life for Logan County’s youth and help be a retail driver when teams from out-of-town come to play tournaments. Look for more in the coming weeks on the foundation and this exciting initiative. If you want more information, or want to be involved with the initiative, give me a call or email at the Chamber.

CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING FOR LOGAN COUNTY BUSINESSES
   One gigantic key to any successful business is customer service. On May 19 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Logan County Extension Service building, we are offering a chance for you to send employees, or yourself, to have an intense four hours of customer service training. The cost will be $20 per person and is less than half per person of what it would cost to bring the training to your business. We sent a flyer out earlier this week and will send a reminder next week. The room can hold up to 100 people and we want to fill every seat. Email me at ryancraig@loganchamber.com if you are interested in enhancing the customer service of your business.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
   We welcome new members Seth Boortz, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, and Sears Tree Service, LLC., to the Chamber.
Seth’s office is located at 215 S. Main Street in Russellville. Give him a call at 270-726-8436 to welcome him to the membership or for your financial planning needs.
Greg Sears is the owner of Sears Tree Service and give him a call at 270-755-2058 to welcome him to the membership or if you have been needing to tend to your trees.
A big welcome and wishes for continued success for Seth Boortz and Sears Tree Service!

That is all for this week. Hope all of you have a great Mother’s Day Weekend!

Ryan