We want your input!
Please download our member survey and mail your responses to the Chamber at PO Box 35 Jamestown, RI 02835
In this year's renewal packets, we included a survey to find out what our members want to see the Chamber focus on. Many thanks to the 34 members who took the time to share their thoughts.
Top priorities were promoting Jamestown and the business district, promoting Jamestown business regardless of location, and working with Town on planning, zoning and issues affecting island life. The activities receiving the least amount of interest are charitable fundraising and growing membership outside Jamestown.
There were many great suggestions for educational seminars and we've implemented some of those through our Winter Breakfast Series. If successful, we'll look to expand the series to feature more topics.
A special thanks goes out to everyone who signed up for Chamber committees such as Night at the..., Scholarship and Holidays in Jamestown Committees!
All surveys received before 12/05 were entered into a drawing for $25 in Chamber Checks, so congratulations to winners Stacy Feight of East Ferry Deli and Eric Eunis of Rabecca L. Eunis, CPA!
Please join the Chamber in welcoming
new members!
The Chamber kicked off a new program in January – a series of Breakfast mini-seminars at the Bay Voyage. These sessions are intended to provide current information on topics important to members, and serve as additional networking and social events.
The first session included a presentation by Evan Smith, President of the Newport County Visitors and Convention Bureau who spoke of marketing opportunities available to Jamestown businesses through The NCCVB. The second session was a joint effort by attorneys – John Murphy, Peter Brockmann, Gloria Dahl and CPA Rabecca Eunis, who provided vital information on the legal and accounting considerations when structuring a business.
John McCauley of Island Realty organized and hosted each session, and is looking forward to the third session on March 23, which will feature John Collins of JHC Enterprises, and Mark Hayward, District Director of the US Small Business Association, who will speak about the various financing and support opportunities available to new and growing businesses.
Board Member Mike Jacquard and the Bay Voyage have been great hosts for these events, offering a hot breakfast in a beautiful setting. It’s a great way to start the day and broaden your business horizons.
Last year was a banner year for the Chamber Check program, with the sale of over $4800 of Chamber Checks during the holiday season alone.
The program includes participation of 31 businesses, ranging from coffee shops and retail goods to professional consultation services.
The Chamber will continue to promote the Chamber Check program as a great way to keep people shopping for goods and services on the island.
We encourage your participation and invite you to learn more about the program by clicking here or contacting the Chamber directly.
Chamber to Participate in Economic Development
The top level planning document which serves as Jamestown’s road map is known as the Comprehensive Plan. Included in this plan is an action item charged to the Town Planner and Planning Commission to be pro-active in addressing economic development issues.
In response Town Planner, Lisa Bryer is planning a joint workshop between the Planning Commission and community business leaders in April. The Chamber is looking forward to this workshop as a significant opportunity to bring town leadership up to date on the issues facing business owners.
At this time the Chamber is seeking new ideas on possible programs or initiatives which would help your business run more efficiently or be more profitable. Please contact Mike Swistak at 294-3304 or send your idea via e-mail to mswistak@cox.net. The Chamber will hold a workshop in March to prioritize and develop all the ideas submitted for consideration.
The Jamestown Chamber website is a vital source of information for Jamestown businesses and visitors coming to our area. As an example, in one month (December 2005), the chamber site received over 1,200 visits and averaged 109 unique pageviews per day!
Many of these pageviews are of your member listings, which we update when you send in your membership renewal. Please take a few moments to review your listing and links and contact us if they need to be updated.
We also receive dozens of calls & emails per month, asking questions about our area and requesting information about the Chamber and its member businesses. We enjoy sharing referrals and hope that you experience increased awareness in your business as a result.
In the coming months, the Chamber will be rolling out a new program that will allow small business owners to develop and host a unique one-page webpage on our chamber website for just $295. This all-inclusive price will give interested business owners an opportunity to have their own web page that includes photos, business information, price lists, etc. for a fraction of the cost to develop a custom website on a unique domain. For more information, please contact the Chamber.
Marketing Committee Open to All Members
If you've got ideas and an hour a month, join the Chamber's Marketing Committee. The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 8 am to plan and execute marketing, advertising, and public relations projects to promote the Chamber, our membership and events. For more information or to join, contact Donna Kohler at 423-0330
Annual Meeting "Let's Dance!"
The annual meeting will be held on Thursday, March 23rd at the Bay Voyage, and includes our annual business meeting, election of new board members and extra special live entertainment.
The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. with reception and a light meal & cash bar followed by the election of new board members
Just after the meeting it is Time to Dance!!
Put on your dancing shoes and let the infectious music move your feet! Special Guests Professor Rocio Borrero and Enrique Luna will introduce you to the beat of Afro-Cuban Music. Try the Salsa and the Mambo!
To attend, please RSVP to the Chamber before Monday, March 20th 401-423-3650
2005/2006 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Jamestown Chamber of Commerce is a vital organization carried by the efforts of an amazing volunteer board. Please join us in acknowledging the efforts of this special group for their hard work in supporting Jamestown Business and the island community
President Mike Swistak, Wickford Insurance
1st Vice President Charlie Petit, Petit Marketing
2nd Vice President Frank LaPere, Grapes & Gourmet
Secretary Donna Kohler, East Bay Bed & Breakfast
Treasurer Cheryl Page, Island Rubbish Service
Peter Brockmann, Peter Brockmann & Associates
John Collins, JHC Enterprises
Eric Eunis, Rabecca L. Eunis, CPA
Courtney Feeney-Hunter, Peoples Credit Union
Michael Jacquard, The Bay Voyage
John McCauley, Island Realty
Chris Tanner, ReMax Bayview
Bob Umbenhauer, East Ferry Deli
Holidays in Jamestown Reprise
Most local business owners agree that the holidays always seem to be a little hectic, and there is barely a minute to catch your breath. However, this past season the Chamber of Commerce infused more holiday spirit into the town than ever before. The tree lighting, village decorations, harbor fire, teddy bear tea, and Polar Express all were sponsored or organized by your fellow members. These events allow the business community reach out to our residents, and say thank you for supporting us throughout the year. Many thanks to those businesses who sponsored events, or donated precious time to make these events special!
An extra special thanks to our seasonal sponsors – Jack’s Electric, Rabecca & Eric Eunis, Conanicut Marine Services, Dick, Gail & Laurel Wing, and The Jamestown Fire Department.
Boat Show Recap
The local marine businesses kept the tradition alive, and organized a ‘Visit Jamestown’ booth at the Providence Boat Show. For many years the Chamber has endorsed this co-operative effort, which brings a glimpse of Jamestown to boat show visitors.
Volunteers from many businesses manned the Jamestown Chamber booth day and night, and extolled the treasures of Jamestown, and the many fine businesses ready to be discovered by visitors.
Thanks to all who participated!
MEMBERSHIP NOTES:
As always the Chamber welcomes new members. If you know of a Jamestown or Jamestown-related business that would enjoy joining us for networking events, participate in community events or join in increasing business in our community, please feel free to forward this newsletter!
Our membership application is downloadable at
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Our Current Membership is 147!
Member Spotlight:
Donna M. Hallinan,
Representative John Hancock Financial Services
Donna is a new member of the Chamber, and works as a financial planner for John Hancock Financial Services. She is known for providing her clients with resources as well as peace of mind. A graduate of Stonehill College with a major in economics and a minor in business finance, Donna studied portfolio management and modern portfolio theory. She was on the Dean’s List every semester and the top of her training class at John Hancock.
When Donna is not working, she loves to play the flute and the piano, and is a member of the Women in Networking Jamestown Women’s Group. Donna is delighted to join the Chamber and welcomes your questions about financial planning. Donna's office is in Warwick, and she can be reached at 401-691-4157 or dhallinan@jhnetwork.com
THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Chamber by-laws contain an important provision that limits the term of any board member to three years. This guideline keeps the Chamber alive, and guarantees a continuous stream of new faces with new ideas.
It has been a rewarding experience to be a board member for these past three years, and an honor to have served as President during this time. Thank you to all of the board members and business owners who have helped the chamber grow over the past three years. It is a strong organization which does more good than many realize; and it is a fun and positive organization which brings business owners and residents together.
Sincerely,
Mike Swistak
President