Chamber endorses new Perry County CEO entrepreneur program
Tuesday's edition of the newspaper featured remarks from newly appointed Du Quoin State Fair director Shannon Woodworth.
Here are the minutes of the regular meeting as written by director Stacy Hirsch.
The April general meeting of the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce took place on Wednesday at the Elk's Lodge with 34 members and guests in attendance. The meeting began with a welcome and general announcement from the president Dr. Gary Kelly. After dinner Dr. Kelly introduced Aubrey Davis as the "Student of Interest" for the month.
Aubrey is a senior at Du Quoin High School who shared the various aspects of student life that she is involved. She is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Student Council, member of the National Honor Society, member of the Pep Club, plays softball, and serves on the school's student handbook committee. She also spends time after school volunteering regularly at an area nursing home. She intends to attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale upon graduation and study nursing.
The exploration of a program to develop business and entrepreneurial skills of high school students was shared by Rex Duncan, who in his capacity at SIU-C has been working with area schools and businesses in the exploration and formation of these programs in the region. Recently the superintendent of the Du Quoin school district, superintendent of the Pinckneyville High School district, Donna Boros who serves as Regional Superintendent for Jackson and Perry Counties, Rex Duncan, and Craig Williams of Community Link visited the Effingham CEO program that serves students from six high schools in that county. After that initial visit further discussions took place and it was decided to share the concepts of the program with the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce. As well, this information will be shared with the Pinckneyville Chamber.
During the next few weeks, information will be shared with nearly 200 Perry county businesses and individuals about an informational meeting regarding the possibilities this program could provide to our high school students.
The annual Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show is rapidly approaching and will be held on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall. At this time 44 vendors have signed up to share items relevant to home and garden care. As you are aware, back this year will be the Du Quoin Garden Club to sell and market plants and flowers grown by members of the club. There is still time for you to participate in this event by becoming a sponsor or by signing up to be a vendor at the show. A 10X10 booth is $125 and $100 for chamber members. Admission to the show is $1 for adults with children under 12 being free. On average nearly 800 people attend this show each year. Doors are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A food concession will also be located in the exhibition hall. Again, we ask that all chamber members come to the show either day or stop in for lunch on Saturday. The first 10 chamber members to show up for lunch at noon for the show on Saturday will have their lunch paid for by the chamber president.
The chamber is pleased to announce that Oasis Pools and Spas and Chip Banks Chevrolet have joined the list of major sponsors for the upcoming Home and Garden Show. This adds to a supportive list that also includes: Ameren, Du Quoin State Bank, General Cable, Mathis and Sons, Knight Hawk Coal, and Pepsi Mid America.
Jackson Pools & Spas Now Oasis Pools & Spas
Karen Jackson Lee of Jackson Pools & Spas of West Frankfort & Du Quoin announced that the business is now Oasis Pools & Spas, under the ownership of her new husband, Wayne Lee. The company will provide the same products and services as before.
Next Chamber Meeting
The next meeting of the chamber will be Wednesday, May 7, 2014 with the Board meeting at 6:00 p.m. and the general meeting to follow at 6:30 p.m. The location of the next meeting will be shared via postcard and e-mail in the next few weeks.