West Point/ Tri-Rivers Chamber of Commerce 621 Main Street, PO Box 1035 West Point, Virginia 23181 (804) 843-4620 www.westpointvachamber.com WE MEAN BUSINESS!
Janice McGowan, Office Secretary	Office Hours: Tues - Thurs 9:00 - 1:00	FAX 804-843-2434
January 2012 President’s Message…….. Dear Members:           As we begin a new year, we must take a look back at all the many accomplishments that our organization has had.  Christmas on the Town was attended by record numbers, Jammin’ on the Point was a huge success even with the uncooperative weather, we issued four $1,000.00 scholarships to area high school graduates, revamped our accounting system to better track our financial standings, and once again pulled off a successful Crab Carnival, which brings thousands of people to West Point.           As for 2012, our organization’s members have started an aggressive approach to the planning and implementation of the various events for the upcoming year.  As your president, I have setup a committee that will present an operating budget for the year, plans are underway for the annual meeting/dinner auction on March 13th with the goal to meet or exceed $4,000.00 for four $1,000.00 scholarships, and Jammin’ on the Point summer concert series is set to kick off on May 11, 2012.           I challenge you, the members, in 2012 to increase participation in meetings and events to help make our Chamber stronger and accomplish our goals of strengthening businesses through networking and sponsoring events that will bring commerce to West Point and the Tri-Rivers area.  I look forward to seeing all of our members at our next meeting on February 2, 2012. Rob Balderson Chamber President CRAB CARNIVAL Yes, it’s that time again……..The 30th Annual Crab Carnival will be held on Friday, October 5th and Saturday, October 6th.  A “Kick-off” meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 24th at 6:30 p.m. in the Downtown Business Center.  If you have any new ideas or would like to help out with the committee, please plan to attend.  2012 MEMBERSHIP Just a reminder that your membership renewal is due by January 31, 2012.  If you did not receive an application, please call 804-843-4620 or stop by the office at the Downtown Business Center on 621 Main Street.       WELCOME NEW MEMBERS     Back Roads Trading, LLC        The Youth Aeronautics Educational Foundation CHAMBER MEETING             The next general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Downtown Business Center.  If you cannot attend, please send someone to represent you or your business.    ANNUAL DINNER/AUCTION The 13th Annual Chamber Dinner/Auction will be held on Tuesday, March 13 at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall in West Point.  Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with dinner following at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets – Call the Chamber office for details.  The March dinner meeting is held in lieu of our normal monthly business meeting.  Don’t forget the auction following dinner by Estis Auctioneering.  Brinkley and Betty Estis kindly donate their time for the auction.  All proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund.  The funds will be divided among four seniors at West Point, King William, New Kentand King & Queen High Schools.  If you would like to donate an item, please fill out the form included in this newsletter.   WELCOME BAGS           The Chamber office is in need of supplies (cups, note pads, pens, etc.) for our “Welcome Bags”.  Remember this is a great way to advertise your business or service to new residents.  Thanks to all who have brought items!!     PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS WHAT A GREAT IDEA!  Use the newsletter to spotlight or promote your business.  News of chamber members and their firms, such as promotions, business changes, new location, weekly or monthly specials are welcomed in our newsletter.  Please send your information to the West Point/Tri-Rivers Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1035, West Point, VA  23181, email to wptrcc@oasisonline.com or drop it by the office at 621 Main Street in the Downtown Business Center.  If will be fun and informative to learn exciting and new things about our members each month. Officers for 2012  President             Rob Balderson   Vice-President     Stuart Jackson    Secretary               Holly McGowan     Treasurer                     Lisa Graham  Past-President       Sandra Willis Board of Directors Maureen Medlin Bill Collins Shawn Hershberger Scott Wilding Mary Gene Simmons Crab Carnival Co-Chair. Donations to West Point/Tri-Rivers Chamber of Commerce Individual or Company Name:_____________________________________ Street Address:____________________________________ City:_________________________________State________ Phone  Number:________Company Contact:_______________ Donates to the West Point/Tri-Rivers Chamber of Commerce Description of item ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Valued at $_________________________________ Any specifics, i.e., expiration date, etc. Thank you very much for your tax-deductible donation to the West Point/Tri-Rivers Chamber of Commerce.  (Please make a copy of this document for your tax records.) West Point/Tri-Rivers Chamber of Commerce