2011 Highlights

If you thought 2011 flew by, you’re not alone!  And since we all know that time passes quicker when we’re busy and productive it occurred to us to take a look back as just a few of the programs and events that made this past Chamber year an active one.

January – The new year started appropriately with a focus on our members, specifically new members, as the Chamber hosted its periodic New Member Orientation Breakfast at Michelbook Country Club. Welcoming both newer members and seasoned members who just want a refresher on how to maximize the value of their membership, this breakfast is generously sponsored by Michelbook and Western States Insurance. Watch your weekly and monthly events calendar for the next Orientation Breakfast opportunity. The Chamber also launched a regular, new event to the monthly schedule last January, Women in Business. WiB gained momentum throughout 2011, featuring a variety of women owned businesses and tips of the trade from successful local businesswomen. Women is Business is held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month immediately after work.

February – The Chamber continued its longstanding tradition of honoring men and women from the McMinnville Fire Department and McMinnville Water & Light by coordinating the annual Firefighter’s Appreciation Dinner. With help from a host of generous sponsors and energetic volunteers, February’s dinner event offered a well-deserved night out for over 130 guests, many of whom received special recognition from Fire Chief Rich Liepfert.

March – The 2nd annual Yamhill County Career and College Expo attracted over 500 high school juniors from throughout Yamhill County, plus another 400 job-seeking community members to this all-day event held at Church on the Hill.  The morning belonged to the high schools, as their students rotated through stations including mock interviews, a motivational keynote address, a college and vocational trade show and career workshops.  The afternoon focus shifted to adult job-seekers who had access to potential employers as well as a variety of valuable self-help seminars and workshops.  Over 300 volunteers and numerous sponsors came together to support this event.  Expo 2012 will take place this year on March 13, so call Leslie at the Chamber if you’d like to participate.

April – City Council President, Kellie Menke, filling in for Mayor Rick Olson, offered a “State of the City” presentation to a packed audience of Chamber and City Club members at a special Hot Topic Luncheon.  This yearly update from the City’s governing body has become a spring highlight for Chamber members and City Staff.

May – LEADERCAST: Voices of Change, a webinar featuring some of the best and brightest business minds in the country, provided a quality learning experience for over 120 Chamber members and their guests who spent this May day in one of Spirit Mountain’s comfortable meeting facilities.  With a totally new lineup of presenters, the Chamber will once again be offering this special LEADERCAST presentation.  Mark your calendars for May 4 and watch your Chamber mail for registration information.

June – Chamber members joined in a rousing chorus of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in celebration of McMinnville Community Night at Volcanoes Stadium.  11 member sponsors took part to offer their guests preferred seating and a souvenir baseball, in addition to the opportunity to enjoy a great night of baseball.

July – Turkey Rama, anyone?  The Chamber is now into the second half of a century hosting this premier community celebration.  Records were set for participation in  the Chamber’s Turkey Trot race/walk as well as for the number of delicious turkey dinners served at BBQ Headquarters in Wortman Park.  MDA’s downtown parade, dances and car show and Sunrise Rotary’s Artists Village were just a few of the other highlight events featured during Turkey Rama 2011.  Stay tuned for news about this summer’s 52nd Annual Turkey Rama Celebration, July 13 & 14!

August – The Chamber held its 1st Annual “Golfpalooza Classic” tournament on a beautiful late summer day at the equally beautiful Michelbook Country Club.  Golfers not only enjoyed a great day and a fun round of golf, they were treated to a delicious lunch and a host of prizes from supporting Chamber businesses.  This is bound to become a Chamber favorite, so keep your August calendar open for upcoming details on “Golfpalooza 2012!”

September – Leadership Mac, the Chamber’s award winning community leadership development program kicked off its 24th year with an interactive and challenging day at the Tillikum Retreat Center outside of Newberg.  This year’s class of 33, one of the program’s largest, represents the broad spectrum of business and industry, for profit and not-for-profit organizations, large and small.  Contact Phil at the Chamber if you want to learn more about Leadership Mac.  The Chamber also helped Chemeketa Community College christen their new Yamhill Valley Campus facility by hosting its annual Premium Investors Reception in conjunction with September’s Business After Hours event.

October – Three new faces were added to the Chamber’s leadership team following election to the Board by the Chamber membership.  Deolinda Coelho (Coelho Winery), Kelly McGraw (Willamette Valley Cancer Foundation) and Chris McLaran (US Bank) are already making their voices heard as part of the planning process.  New Chamber Officers were also sworn in to begin the new fiscal year.

November – With a rousing theme, “Sports, Spirits, and Success,” the Chamber’s annual Awards Dinner went into the record books as one to remember!  Colorful uniforms and decorations gave creative guests an opportunity to visibly support their favorite team from sports and business.  Honored citizens and businesses received well deserved recognition and the crowd of nearly 300 rallied in support of the nominees, the winners, and the Chamber!  If you missed this fun-filled event, you’ll have a chance to redeem yourself this time next year . . .!

December – Two special December events commemorated the holidays this year.  First was the Chamber’s Holiday Open House which has become one of the premier parties of the season.  The holiday celebration was not over however until the Humlie Family performed at the Chamber’s Wine Country Christmas Concert later in the month. This new holiday event was enjoyed by nearly 100 guests! Young and old alike agreed that this concert could easily become another successful Chamber tradition.

So there you have it!  Month after month, your Chamber works hard to provide activities and programs that benefit you and your business, from entertainment to education with a heavy dose of old fashioned fun mixed in!  If you didn’t have the chance in 2011, plan to join us in 2012.  You’ll be glad you did!