CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS WITH RECEPTION

By Ezra Mann/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

To be a member of the Greater Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce means endless networking and business relations opportunities and it all begins when prospective members are asked what businesses and individuals expect from the organization, said Ann Green, director of The Chamber.

There are 800 members and 142 of those joined in 2008.

Tuesday evening, new and current members of The Chamber, which is a part of the Economic Development Alliance of Jefferson County, were invited to a reception. Prospective members are subject to an application and orientation process.

“We’re all about working for and promoting our chamber members,” said Green, who explained that membership for individuals is $150 and starts at $210 for businesses with 1-5 people. “We wouldn’t make it without them and we’re glad to be a one stop source for information in the community.”

Susan Norton, a speech-language diagnostician with Jenkins Therapy Services, said the new membership will provide an opportunity to get the word out about occupational therapy, audiological therapy and testing services.

Jenise “Sandy” Blake, owner and operator of M&M’s Printing & Publishing Plus, said she is excited to be involved in the community that has helped her from starting at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator in December to having her own location at 1210 S. Cherry St. in May. Her services include printing products from invitations to business cards.

“It’s a chance to be a part of the positive changes taking place in Pine Bluff,” said Lt. Shauwn Howell, public information officer for the fire department, which is a returning member to The Chamber. “If we’re going to be focusing on the community, we’ve got to be involved in the community.”