MEMBER-TO-MEMBER: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT FOR JULY 17, 2015

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

THE ROAD TO RETAIL

The Retail Initiative Committee met for the first time this week and we were able to have a great meeting with Mike Harris, a former Logan Aluminum Executive and owner of Zaxby's franchises in Franklin, Murray and Evansville, Ind. Mr. Harris was very informative and spoke with the committee about his experiences with his franchise, the difficulty of bringing a "fast casual" restaurant to small towns like Franklin and Murray and what Russellville and Logan County are lacking to attract certain types of retail.

Mr. Harris also shared some wisdom and gave advice on how cities and counties with twice Logan's size do not have available information and maps on what land, storefronts and areas are available for retail. While the meeting was mostly informational, it was a great way for the committee to be able to speak face-to-face with a person who has invested, built and then ran a franchise in a small town in Kentucky. A big thanks to Mr. Harris and we will be sure to take his advice very seriously as we move forward . 

Look for more in the coming months on our retail initiative.

BLUEGRASS CELLULAR RIBBON CUTTING

We had a great crowd earlier this week for the ribbon cutting/coffee and networking event at the remodeled Bluegrass Cellular store in Russellville. Besides the food and fellowship Chamber President Shane Hayes was able to present a $100 check for the "Stuff The Bus" program to Bluegrass Cellular. Bluegrass is accepting donations, which will be matched, for the program to help with school supplies locally.

SOUTHERN HOME DESIGNS RIBBON CUTTING NEXT WEEK

Southern Home Designs, a new furniture business in Russellville, will be having a ribbon cutting starting at 8 a.m. on July 21. Southern Home Designs is located at 1211 Nashville Road and let's try to have a big crowd to support this new business!

CAREER FAIR OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG WORKFORCE

GIVE US SOMETHING FOR THE BRAG BASKET

Don't forget to send us good news, an upcoming sale, or even a profile on one of your employees for our brag basket. Send your brags to amanda@loganchamber.com or ryancraig@loganchamber.com.

That is all for this week. Don't forget to check out our "Chamber Chat" on the Electric Plant Board's SmartTV3 each weekday starting at 11:30 a.m. and at noon. The shows are also replayed each afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. So far we have had good reviews, which is a miracle considering who hosts the show! 

Ryan