Members of several Wood County Chambers of Commerce met Monday morning at Wood County Airport hosted by the Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC). Chambers represented were from Quitman, Mineola, Hawkins, Winnsboro and Lake Fork.

WCEDC Finance Chairman Jim Berry gave the overview of things chambers can do to promote growth and participation in their respective chambers. The group was unanimous in their desire to meet quarterly to exchange ideas and discuss positive projects and possible solutions for problems other chambers may share.

Berry has 40 years of extensive experience building chambers in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Arkansas.

“We are happy to see this collective effort to work together as a team for the betterment of Wood County as a whole,” noted WCEDC’s Executive Director Christophe Trahan.

“I want to give you some resources you may or may not know about,” Berry said. “First, you have a United States Chamber of Commerce. You can get a lot of information you can use through this organization. Then you have ACCE (American Chamber of Commerce Executives). I would encourage you to join this one because they are a great resource you will find valuable. You also have the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executive Association. It would be good for you to be connected with them. What you are doing today is your best resource and that is meeting together for the betterment of Wood County. ”

Berry discussed what they might look for in new members.

“You want somebody who is competitive and someone who will benefit from the work of the chamber,” Berry added. “New member recruitment and retention are essential to the chamber.” He also emphasized working with the local news media to get out chamber news and messages.

Quitman Chamber Director Christine Thomas brought up working on a countywide calendar. Participants discussed the need for such a calendar. By meeting regularly, the various chambers can find out dates of events in hopes not to compete with other town’s activities, but join them when possible.

Hawkins Chamber representative Greg Branson talked about getting together with the local school districts to keep from having the same dates for events, activities and festivals. 

The group of chamber representatives made the decision to meet quarterly beginning in January at a time and place to be determined.