Making the rounds this week by speaking in front of the county commission and every area city council has been the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Ashley Crane and Marketing and Events Manager Carrie Royster have been presenting the Chamber’s quarterly report, which details the rise in membership that has been taking place recently.

Having already doubled their membership since last year, the Chamber drew in 14 new members from April to June. Smith Transmission and Auto, ACE Hardware Valley, Momma Goldberg’s and Jackson Services are just a few of the businesses that have joined the Chamber, making it a varied and thriving alliance that supports itself and its many customers.

The Chamber of Commerce doesn’t just serve area residents as consumers, either. Several events like the Chambers County Lake Fishing Rodeos, a litany of ribbon cuttings and speaker-oriented Lunch and Learns have already entertained the area residents and Chamber’s members who can expect much more to come later this year and beyond.

Their most recent excursion is into the digital space, teaming up with Bradshaw Library and Universal Class to offer over 500 continued education classes to anyone with a library card. With these classes, area residents will be able to gain skills and training for jobs and positions they might have not been able to hold otherwise.

The Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is doing a lot for the people who work, play, live, worship and shop around these parts. By shopping at Chamber’s member stores, going to sponsored events and staying involved, residents can do a lot for them as well. Let’s keep their momentum going.