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Any successful Chamber of Commerce is directly dependent on the efforts of individuals.  Our committee structure allows us to tackle numerous projects at once, while working together for the success of our membership.  Unless you are personally involved, you may not be aware of all the efforts that are underway to make the Johnston Chamber a special organization.

Our committees consist of seven individual groups that work independently, yet collectively to make things happen for the Chamber.  I would like to use this newsletter to give you a brief update on the committees and the Chamber.

Member Success
Under the leadership of Jason Parnell from Polk County Bank, this committee does most of their work in planning activities for the upcoming year.  If you refer to the schedule of events for 2008, you will recognize that this group has scheduled and active and informative program for the year.  Their program includes our monthly Membership Luncheons, Workshops, Lunch & Learns, as well as Before and After Business events.  If you have not had an opportunity to participate please try to join us for our next Membership Luncheon on Thursday, April 24th or our Business After Hours at Polk County Bank on Thursday, May 1, 2008.  Please click here for more information. I guarantee you will find your attendance at these events worthwhile!!

Communications
By now you would have received your copy of the 2008 Chamber Directory and Community Guide.  Hopefully you find this a useful tool in contacting our members and use it frequently as a reference guide for Johnston.  Carol Warren of Progress Industries heads this important and active committee.  Although the Directory is their most visible project, they are currently working on marketing for Green Days. NEW for 2008: All of the Johnston Chamber members are also Greater Des Moines Partnership members.  Please look for the 2008 Greater Des Moines Partnership directory in May.  Please click here for all of the extra benefits you receive from the Greater Des Moines Partnership. 

Leadership Seminars
Dr. Jim Casey, Johnston School Administration and Phil Dunshee, Executive Director, JEDCO head this committee. The purpose of the Johnston Leadership Seminars is to prepare participants to engage in activities that will foster a strong Johnston community.  Participants in the Johnston Leadership Seminars will enable class members to be informed about the issues affecting the Johnston community, be familiar with key community organizations, institutions and their leaders, be equipped to constructively participate as community volunteers and leaders dedicated to creating a high quality of life, fostering a community of learners and enabling a vibrant economy. Please click here to learn about the Leadership Seminars or to nominate an individual.

Membership Outreach
Mike Ginther of Middendorf Insurance heads this group.  They are currently planning for a fall membership blitz campaign to contact current members. This committee plans biannual blitzes to contact current members with an emphasis on new members as well as canvas the community for potential members.  They also support Ambassador functions, mentor new businesses and communicate Chamber events and activities. This is networking at its best!!  

Green Days
There is so much going on with Green Days this time of the year that I don't have the space to detail it all here.  The Co-Chairs of this committee are Deb Bengtson, First Bank and Sue Harney, Polk County Bank. The sponsorship committee is currently calling on businesses to be sponsors for this event.  Please click here to learn more about the 2008 sponsorships levels. If you are interested in being a sponsor please let me know at the Chamber office 276-9064 or email heather@growjohnston.com . They are filling up fast so hurry and get signed up!! To learn more about all of the exciting events happening at Green Days June 19-22nd please go to www.johnstongreendays.org .

Golf Outing
Clay Guthmiller, Superintedent of the Johnston Schools heads this group.  The golf outing this year is on Friday, August 22, 2008.  It is being held at Beaver Creek Golf Course.  Lunch will start at 11:30am and the shotgun start will be at 12:30pm.  More information about this event will be coming soon!  This committee is looking for volunteers so if you are interested in joining in on the fun please contact heather@growjohnston.com .  Their next meeting is on Tuesday, August 29, 2008 at 3:00pm at the Chamber office.

Educator Appreciation Event
Mary Miller, Polk County Bank heads this group.  This is a wonderful event for all of the Educators in the Johnston School District.  Currently the committee is calling businesses for sponsorships and raffle prizes. This event is on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 4:30pm at Holiday Inn.  This event is a time for teachers to come and relax in a non-school atmosphere with others from various buildings, while also recognizing our retiring teachers.  The staff looks forward to this event each year!!

As you can see, the Chamber is extremely active and busy!  We can't do it without a commitment from our membership.  Please consider joining one of these Johnston Chamber of Commerce Committees!  If you would like more information on one of these committees please contact the Chamber at heather@growjohnston.com

Thank you
Heather Wilcox, Administrator
Johnston Chamber of Commerce