Chamber membership, services expand in '07

The Whitehouse Chamber of Commerce has reached the highest membership in its history, following a membership drive that culminated with a tallyup party early last month.

"We are excited about interest and support we have received from the community. We will continue to grow and expand on what the chamber can offer you for your continued support," said Diane Nicholson, chamber vice president.

"We are getting great fed back from our members about the new opportunities to network with other members through the business expo and business after hours," added Nicholson. "We encourage our members to support each other by doing business on a local level."

Nicholson said prospective members ask a common question, "Tell me why we need a Chamber of Commerce?" That question is usually followed with, "What will the Chamber do for me?"

"In order to have an attractive, active area in which to live, work, and play, we must have an organization like The Greater Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce," said Nicholson, who extolled the virtues of the city and its attractions.

"We have so much more to offer than other cities around the area: our convenient location to the city of Tyler, our superior school system, and our lakes," she said. "I see organizations coming together host- ing festivals in our parks and on our lakes. I see residents enjoying the community and businesses thriving with activity. I see the future of Whitehouse, a city full of untapped potential that is begging to be released through your voice and your involvement."

In addition to membership growth, the past year saw expansion within the chamber organization itself, as a new website was created, business after hours events were hosted and a first-ever business expo was held.

The chamber website is www.whitehouseTX.com. Information available at the site includes a listing of members and their contact information for inquiries about services and/or products. The site also provides a means for those interested in the Whitehouse community to send inquiries directly to the chamber.

"We are a place people turn to when families are transferred to our area. We answer their letters and, in the near future, will send out brochures with information about our city, school system, recreational facilities, and anything else that may help them to make a decision to call Whitehouse home," said Nicholson.

A partnership between the chamber and the Tri County Leader is also in the works to give the organization a storefront where such information can also be made available.

Some benefits of membership include free quarterly lunches; community involvement; networking opportunities; exclusive advertising opportunities; community involvement and awareness; referrals and sales opportunities; publicity and heightened name recognition; targeted, effective and affordable advertising to help businesses utilize marketing dollars; and committee positions with recognition.

Nicholson thanked the hardworking volunteers and committee members who contributed to the chamber's success in 2007 and said help is needed in 2008 for such things as Christmas decorations and parade, new teachers breakfast, newsletter and Ambassadors.

"Serving on a committee is a great way to meet other members while serving your community," said Nicholson.