Savannah Reams
news@greenepublishing.com
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is essential to the growth and revitalization of small businesses and the success of business professionals in our great county. Chamber members receive free promotion, are listed on the Chamber's business directory, as well as strategic promotion of member's business and events on social media.
The Chamber's weekly newsletter is free to all members and advertising your business in the newsletter is free as well. Member spotlights, business grand openings, ribbon cuttings, and appreciation days are all events the Chamber can assist your business with and then will feature your event in the newsletter and on social media. Have brochures and business cards to promote your business? Bring them by the Chamber office to display them in the front lobby!
In an article published in Forbes magazine, Bianca Miller Cole smartly stated, "The importance of the saying 'no man is an island' has been proven to be the reason why many of us need to make a collective effort in the bid to achieve professional success." For many individuals that have succeeded in their career, the causes have largely been contributed to the strong networking channels they have created over time. Networking is more than trading—it serves as an avenue for creating long-term relationships and mutual benefits.
While the Chamber works hard to network for you and your business, you can participate in the many events and opportunities offered for face-to-face interaction with the public, fellow business owners, professionals and even the media. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce hosts many events throughout the year including Down Home Days, Annual Awards Banquet, Poker Tournaments and more. Discounts for tickets and booth space at these events are always available to Chamber members.
Chamber monthly networking events include Business After Hours and Chamber Luncheons.
With Business After Hours, local businesses take turns hosting the event each month. This event is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded individuals, as well as educate the public about the services your business offers, partake in refreshments and, most importantly, network. You may make connections that further your career in the future!
Mark your calendar for the first Monday of every month at noon for the Chamber Luncheon. A delicious luncheon catered by one of Madison County's fine local eateries, is held at the Chamber office. At every luncheon, a designated speaker such as a local business owner, representative or organization, educates those in attendance about the services they offer. The Chamber is always accepting interested individuals for presentation slots. After the presentation, introduce yourself, give a brief description of your business, or even announce an upcoming event—an excellent opportunity to network, gain customers and learn about the community!
The Chamber also works closely with the Tourist Development Council, connecting visitors to businesses in our community and promoting all of the natural beauty, activities, lodging, shops and restaurants and bring people from far and wide for a visit.
If you are a blossoming business, new to the area, or a business or individual who simply hasn't joined the Chamber for one reason or another, you are urged to give the Madison County Chamber of Commerce a call and ask them what they can do for you!
The Chamber can be reached at (850) 973-2788. Located at 182 NW College Loop, in Madison, office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visit the Chamber's website at madisonfl.org to check out their membership directory, upcoming events and more. Follow the Chamber on Facebook at facebook.com/madisoncountyflchamber to see new member spotlights, upcoming events, trivia and so much more!
Kaitlynn Culpepper, Board Chair
For the past six years, Kaitlynn Culpepper has called herself a proud resident of Madison. She was born and raised just north of the Georgia border in Valdosta. Culpepper can often be seen in the community during multiple functions with her employer, Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC), where she serves as the community relations director; and the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, where she is currently the board chair in her a second term.
For nearly five years Culpepper has been involved with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, which she notes offers a great opportunity for TCEC to connect with the community in which they serve. Culpepper joined the board as a part of her role at TCEC, and quickly saw a need and an opportunity to help better the Madison County Community, which includes the annual Down Home Days Parade & Festival, monthly Chamber Business After Hours events, luncheons and the annual Chamber awards banquet; all of which have grown significantly over the past several years to become staples in Madison.
"The Chamber Board is a big group of dedicated volunteers who have a passion to serve and be involved, each one bringing something vital to the table and just to be amongst these amazing professionals is an honor for me," Culpepper said. "I have learned so much, and grown tremendously professionally and personally."
In her words, the Chamber has given TCEC the opportunity "to have a hand on the pulse of what is going on with local business and the needs of our community and be better positioned to serve the people of Madison County." She also elaborates to state that the Chamber works to create a network for business-to-business and business-to-consumer opportunities by offering many platforms for businesses to advertise changes and growth, adding that "bringing business together to support one another is crucial to growth of a community."
Though Madison has grown so much in the few years she's been here, Culpepper states, the small-town feel remains the same. "I absolutely love the small-town feel, and the safety and comfort of knowing your neighbors," says Culpepper. "We are able to grow and thrive while staying true to the routes that make our community so special."
Culpepper is married to her husband, Jay. They have two sons: Rigby, age nine, and Kade, age four.
Elesta Pritchett, Vice Chair
Elesta Pritchett, Vice Chair of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, hails from Greenville, Fla. and has a deep-seated love for her community and the county she calls home. The 89-year-old public servant is extremely active, volunteering more time than most in their twenties. The mother of five has set an example for her children, grandchildren and the community members she encounters on a regular basis. The grit and determination she is known for stems from her passion for making her community a better place to live.
"I love where I live and I like to see improvement," says Pritchett. "I want to see my hometown grow and be the best it can be. I've been a servant my whole life and I don't mind getting up and going. It's in my bones—I can't help it."
Pritchett knows that the Chamber of Commerce is a great place to build relationships, make connections and, consequently, grow Madison County's economy. "It's so important," says Pritchett. "The Chamber will promote you. Through Business After Hours [and other events] you will familiarize yourself with the community and they will come to know who you are. It's a good place to become connected with the community and, through being a member, people will begin to trade with you and do business with you."
Pritchett knows a thing or two about bringing in business and promoting one's neighborhood. One of Pritchett's largest feats is preserving the memory of legendary musician and former Greenville resident, Ray Charles. She worked diligently to preserve the memory of Ray Charles for years and, in February of 2006, a bronze statue of Charles was revealed in the city park. In addition, the efforts of Pritchett and the Greenville Heritage Committee brought forth the renovation of Charles' childhood home in 2008, which can now be toured by visitors from near and far.
"My philosophy is simple: I pray that when I leave this earth, I will have left it a little better than I found it," says Pritchett.
Jessica Webb, Secretary
Jessica Webb was born in Ocala and raised in Miami, Fla., but moved to Madison County as a young woman. She was instantly enamored with the small town atmosphere and community spirit of her new home. Since her arrival, she has served the residents of Madison in various capacities.
An instructor at North Florida College for many years, Webb holds a PhD and possesses a love for education. Once she felt she had pushed all boundaries in the world of academia, she decided to become an entrepreneur. Today, Webb owns two thriving Madison County businesses: A Main Street Realty Co. and Grumpy's Diner & Pie Shop on Main.
Webb's experience with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce has been positive. "With my businesses, I have utilized the Chamber's Facebook page and social media," states Webb. "[The Chamber] is a great networking opportunity and an excellent marketing opportunity. The yearly dues are minimal compared to the return."
Webb asserts that the Chamber presents opportunities for community members and businesses to collaborate and grow together. "Working together and helping each other makes everyone stronger," says Webb.
This same community togetherness is what appealed to Webb many years ago when she arrived, fresh out of the big city. "I fell in love with how the people who are a part of this community care for one another," says Webb. "I feel safe here."
Webb has been married to her husband, Johnny, a Madison County native, for 44 years. Together, they have two sons: Dean (Leslie) and Justin (Jan); and two granddaughters: Melana and Kensi, whom Webb describes as her heart.
Lisa Burnham, Treasurer
Lisa Burnham hails from Jasper, Fla. and has lived in Madison for 13 years. She has worked at Saint Leo University for those 13 years as an undergraduate student advisor. Prior to Saint Leo University, Burnham worked for North Florida College. In addition to her Saint Leo duties, Burnham works part-time at Bealls Outlet, and has been a part of the Bealls family for the last seven years.
With armloads of experience, Burnham knows a thing or two about good business. She learned very quickly that the Madison County Chamber of Commerce is an exceptional tool for growth. "The Chamber has helped me in my career by understanding the financials better for a non-profit organization," says Burnham. "The Chamber has also helped me in my career with the networking opportunities the Chamber offers: Business After Hours and Chamber Luncheons. I have learned more about local businesses and services available in order to inform my students how they too can shop locally and give back to their community."
Burnham is passionate about giving back through her involvement with the Chamber. "Madison County has a lot to offer our community and we are striving to inform our community exactly what is available to them," says Burnham. "We want our community to become more active in order to give our younger generation a reason to stay here and give back to their community, as well."
Burnham has come to love Madison County and says that community support is what she likes most about our area. "I host a new donation drive each month and the amount of support received from the community is remarkable!" says Burnham. "We are very blessed to have one another."
Emerald Greene Parsons, Executive Director
The Chamber of Commerce's Executive Director is Madison County born and raised—these stomping grounds are in her blood. Emerald Greene Parsons has a passion for her hometown and has worked in many capacities to contribute to the county's economic growth. "I want to see local businesses grow and prosper," says Emerald. "I hate seeing new businesses close their doors too soon. As much as I want my own business to be successful, I want to see others successful as well."
Emerald's mission, and that of the Chamber's, is to make county businesses bigger, stronger and more profitable. As a previous board member and now serving in the role of executive director, Emerald has been putting tons of effort into bringing the community together through events such as the Business After Hours and Chamber Luncheon, which she started while serving on the board. "People do business with people they know," says Emerald.
Emerald is the owner and publisher of Greene Publishing, Inc., which publishes the Madison County Carrier, The Madison Enterprise-Recorder, and The Front Porch magazine. She is happily married to her husband, Ken. She has two daughters: Cheltsie Holbrook (Marcus), and Brooke Riley (Clint). She is the proud "Glamma" to one granddaughter, Kennedy, and is expecting a new grandson in December.
Aside from owning Madison County's two newspapers, Emerald also owns the Monticello News and Jefferson County Journal, in Jefferson County; and the Riverbend News, which covers Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette Counties. As in Madison County, she hopes to not only publish their hometown news but to also promote hometown/downtown businesses in those counties, as well.