Applications are being accepted through March 25 for the 2022 Chamber Ambassador Class.
“I recommend being an ambassador if you are in sales of any kind,” said Richard Stone, Chamber ambassador. “Throughout my career, being an ambassador ensured I made invaluable professional and personal connections.”
The ambassadors are being reignited post-COVID-19 pandemic to expand the Chamber’s ability to support new and existing businesses, Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce president Tia Rae Stone said.
The group will have a retreat the morning of Friday, April 1, at the Holiday Inn Express to get training and motivation. Tia Rae Stone said she expects ambassadors to work on their projects one to two hours per week on average, in addition to their monthly meetings at 8 a.m. on the second Wednesday of every month.
Participation requires registration and a $150 fee to cover breakfast at the monthly meetings, leadership and sales training and “a priceless amount of benefit for the individuals and businesses involved” Tia Rae Stone added.
Citizens National Bank’s Deborah Parker, last year’s Ambassador of the Year, and Diana Phillips, Holiday Inn Express and Suites sales director and former Chamber board chair, are leading the program as co-chairs.
“These are two dynamic women,” said Tia Rae Stone. “They know how to get lots done and how to have fun doing it.”
They believe that serving as an ambassador has benefits for the ambassador, his or her business, the Chamber and the entire community.
Some benefits are said to:
• increase visibility for your business;
• enhance your relationship with and knowledge of the Chamber and how it benefits its members and its community;
• form business relationships and friendships through the Chamber network;
• introduce you to business and community leaders;
• expand your circle of influence through stronger community connections;
• help other members achieve their business and professional goals;
• provide opportunities for sales training and executive-level leadership;
• develop organizational and planning skills; and
• support the community by showing community pride.
The program is also seeking sponsors — $1,000 or $500 levels — and businesses willing to give a scholarship for another business, church or nonprofit to have a participant in the program.
The program’s current sponsors include Eagle Bank, Taylor Press and Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
In addition to Parker and Phillips, officers include Denise Solbach, of City National Bank, and Loretta Patschke, of Patschke & Patschke Real Estate.
To learn more, sponsor or enroll in the program, call the Chamber at 512- 352-6364 or email [email protected].
