Ambassadors visit News-Argus
By Sam Atkins
Published in News on March 11, 2004 2:04 PM
The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce says it is continuing to improve the economic climate among its members by sending its ambassadors out to area businesses to learn more about them.
The ambassadors can pass what they learn onto other chamber members who do not know everything the businesses do, said Patty Graham, the chamber's director of membership and marketing. Having this new knowledge may encourage the members to do business with them in the future, she added.
More than 25 ambassadors visited the Goldsboro News-Argus on Wednesday and were greeted by Hal Tanner III, general manager.
He described the changes the newspaper is going through, including having an improved Web site and a new facility with new a loading dock and high-speed inserter. He also discussed the various kinds of printing the company does.
"It offers an opportunity to see what the businesses are actually doing," said Betsy Rosemann with the Hampton Inn, who is the new ambassador chairman this year.
Following the presentation, the ambassadors had their monthly meeting and then a couple of them went on a tour of the News-Argus.
Sarah Kearney with Coldwell Banker Crawford-Norwood Realty has been an ambassador since 1991 and said the idea of meeting at the various businesses in the community is one of the best the ambassadors have ever had. Although many are natives, they can still learn new things about the companies, she added.
The ambassadors' mission is to spread the word about the chamber throughout the community and help make new chamber members feel at home. They work full-time, but still find time to volunteer on various committees to help improve the county. These deal with education, leadership training, transportation, tourism and other committees designed to develop programs, services and events that honor and appreciate the community.
Other programs they're involved in include Partners in Education with Belfast Academy. They bring the students gifts around Christmas, Valentine's Day, the start of school and for an end-of-the-year awards banquet. The partnership also allows members of the business community to meet and greet the students and discuss preparing for their future.
The ambassadors also are involved with Leadership Wayne County, which introduces future leaders to the various facets of the county; youth sports; Scouting; and the United Way.
Anyone interested in becoming an ambassador or any ambassador who would like to host a meeting at their business is encouraged to call Ms. Graham at 734-2234. They are scheduled to have their next meeting at the Comfort Suites at 2613 North Park Drive in Goldsboro on April 14 at 1 p.m.