The Highland Griffith Chamber of Commerce restructured its committees and launched several new initiatives to better serve members.
Executive Director Lance Ryskamp said planning for the next year usually happens in October, but he wanted to get a head start on new programs that focus on young professionals and women.
“As I start my second year as executive director, I believe these new initiatives will enhance the chamber’s value to our members and build off some of the other programs already implemented this year,” he said in a press release.
The restructuring consolidates several committees, including the events committee. It will now include individual events, such as the annual breakfast with the Easter bunny and golf outing.
New committees include nonprofits and professional development.
The nonprofit committee will give those members a bigger voice in the chamber.
The Shop Small committee, which was established this year, will explore more projects, including a possible small business expo in 2024.
The professional development committee offers the biggest change. It will oversee the new chamber education series started this year, and the formation of the young professionals and women in business subcommittees.
“I am excited to move forward with these two new initiatives,” Ryskamp said. “I think our chamber has traditionally done a really good job in providing our members with networking opportunities, but I think we can do more when it comes to professional development. I believe these new programs, coupled with our education series, will create that capability for us and will enhance the value of a Highland Griffith Chamber membership not only to our current members but potential new ones as well.”
Ryskamp said he and board members already have started talking about the new initiatives since they approved his restructuring plan.
Caption: The Highland Griffith Chamber of Commerce offers networking events with more than 300 members. (Provided by the chamber)
