The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors announced its new organization structure at a press conference held on May 23rd. The new organization structure will encompass a broader range of services to encourage exclusivity among its member businesses. The structure is planned to include divisions focused on Membership, Business Development, Governmental Affairs, Special Events, Leadership Development and Education. Each division houses programming, resources and other value added benefits to support our diverse business community.

Chairman Jay Roberts stated, "As Board of Directors, we will evolve and focus our efforts to meet the needs of the business community. Our mission is to provide opportunities and enhance the growth and prosperity of local business and industry. To do so, we are moving towards a new division structure, a structure that allows for additional support in growing business and industry as well as lending support to educational institutions and growing leadership pipelines."

As a part of the launch of the new structure, the Chamber has kicked-off a month long Membership Campaign - with a goal of 100 new members -  to increase its membership and showcase new benefits. However, this campaign has a unique theme that will be displayed throughout the month. The community gathered at the Chamber's building to witness the launch of five week "Changes in Latitudes" Membership Campaign. Each week an event will be held to encourage members and potential members participation with the Chamber.

The Chamber will be wheeling around on June 3rd, in partnership with First Friday, at the 'Nautical Wheelers' Parade and Bed Race. The week of June 6th will serve as a scavenger hunt, visiting businesses in Americus, Leslie, Desoto, Plains, and Andersonville, followed up by the 'Coconut Telegraph' Speed Networking Event on June 15th. The membership campaign will come to a close on June 23rd, sharing many prizes and highlights of the campaign at the 'Buffet Bash' Business After Hours, with the location to be revealed soon.