Making Tracks: Chamber programs can help local businesses
If you ask me to describe the role of the Chamber in the community I would have a very broad answer.
In general, our role is to do everything we can to help promote the Rhinelander community, our local businesses and most importantly our members. We also work very hard to provide resources, programs and events that can help your business or organization grow. Because if you are growing so is the Rhinelander community which is good for everyone.
Many times our resources are educational, like the training and seminars we provide as part of our Lunch N Learn series, or perhaps through our Member Minutes newsletter where I try and provide economic information and tips to help your business grow. This month we have two different opportunities again for your organization to get a little bit of a boost.
The first is through Leadership Oneida County. This nine-month program hosted by the Chamber and the Oneida County UW-Extension is meant to teach leadership skills to those participating so that they will go out and get involved in the community and try to make a difference. As a requirement of graduation those candidates need to complete a community project.
We are currently taking applications for those community projects. To apply you need to be a non-profit or community group located in or serve people in Oneida County, not just Rhinelander, all of Oneida County. Then you need to have a project that the group can work on between January 2014 and May of 2014 when they graduate.
The projects can really be anything, except fundraising. Do you need a new Board of Directors manual? Or maybe some help with new marketing materials or a website? This group can help, all for free. Applications are available on our website, www.ExploreRhinelander.com or by stopping by our office on Kemp Street. If you have any questions about the program don’t hesitate to give me a call and ask. All applications need to be turned in by Friday, Nov. 22 and then someone from your group needs to be available to present your project and idea to the Leadership Group on the afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 12.
Another opportunity for help is the Rhinelander Room Tax Community Grant program. The Rhinelander Tourism Marketing Committee gives out Community Grants twice a year to Rhinelander area non-profit and community groups with an event or program that attracts tourists to the Rhinelander area. All grant funding needs to be used solely on marketing and advertising used to attract visitors to our area. Again the grant applications are on our website or available by stopping in at the Chamber’s office. Again these grant applications are due by Friday, Nov. 22 and the committee will review all applications and award the grants at our Dec. 4 meeting.
The important thing to keep in mind regarding both of these opportunities is while I wish you would all be members of the Chamber, you don’t have to be to take advantage of either of these opportunities. So if you have a need we might be able to help with I hope you’ll apply.
There are so many great organizations in our community that hopefully we are able to help at least a few in accomplishing some of the goals and objectives you have in front of you. If you have questions about either of these programs or how membership in the Chamber could help your organization please give me a call to chat.
Lara Reed is available at 715-365-7464.
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