Chamber Chatter
By Vicki de Angeli

I am pleased to begin the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce monthly news column, Chamber Chatter. The Chamber consists of members of the Jamestown business community. Its intent is to preserve and improve the quality of life in Jamestown and to create an atmosphere of goodwill between the business community and the residents of Jamestown. Specifically, the Chamber works to achieve this goal by: 1) Providing business and community programs for its members and, at times, the general public. 2) Creating an opportunity for members of the Chamber to meet, network, and exchange ideas at meetings designed specifically for that purpose. 3) Promoting an attractive downtown village area. 4) Encouraging members to embrace accepted standards of professional and business conduct.

The Jamestown Chamber has just kicked off its annual renewal drive. There are currently 135 members, with another 200 possible business members in Jamestown that have yet to join. Now is the time for businesses to renew or enroll for the first time by going to the Chamber website, www.jamestownrichamber.com, and printing out and submitting the application. All applications received prior to Oct. 15 will be enrolled in a drawing for $100 in Chamber Checks, certificates that are accepted at most downtown Chamber member businesses.

The Chamber has several great events coming up for members only. Today, Thursday Oct. 11, there will be an after-hours networking social at Grapes & Gourmet on East Ferry Wharf, between 5:30 and 7 p.m. On Thursday, Oct. 25, the Chamber is hosting "Meet Your Local Candidates" at the Narragansett Café, from 6 to 8 p.m. Snack foods and a cash bar will be provided. On Nov. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. will be the Chamber's annual Business Expo and Taste of Jamestown "Chowda" tasting. The location this year is the community center, and businesses must sign up for either a full or half table display by Oct. 22. Three great reasons to fill out your applications and get them to the Chamber ASAP!

For further information, go to the Chamber's website, or contact Donna Olney-Kohler, executive director, 423-3650, or info@ jamestownrichamber.com.