Chamber reports membership growth, announces two new Webster openings and upcoming events

The chamber representative reported membership and revenue growth and previewed several upcoming community business events.

Jerry said Chamber membership has risen to 327 members (up from roughly 240 at the start of 2024) and the chamber’s operating budget increased from about $149,000 to roughly $240,000 in recent years. He emphasized that the chamber measures engagement (event attendance and program value) in addition to membership totals.

Jerry also announced two local business openings to be celebrated with a joint ribbon-cutting Monday at 4 p.m.: a Central Bank branch and Killowind’s High Street. Mayor Arnold is expected to make remarks. The chamber also reported a sold-out Heart of the Community event and plans for new programming, including an elected officials luncheon on June 18 and a trivia night in October to drive community participation.

“Were at 327 members,” Jerry said, describing membership gains and a roughly $90,000 increase in the chamber’s budget over two years. He said some event proceeds are directed to charities (for example, Santa’s on the Loop supports Crisis Nursery) and that the chamber will continue to promote local businesses through ribbon cuttings, webinars and other programming.

Next steps: the Chamber will share event details and continue outreach to ensure BDC representation at ribbon cuttings and openings.