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5/ TheBucknerClarion.com April 24, 2014 Chamber to Expand New Name Signifies Need for Growth The Buckner Chamber of Commerce has changed its name. Now called the Northeast Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the move comes after an 80 percent vote by 8 of the 10 Chamber members who attended a meeting on March 25th to vote on the measure. Gary Thompson, who has served as president since July 2013, describes the Chamber as having limited resources that stifle opportunities to support and expand growth within the Buckner community. "The name change will allow the Chamber to be more inclusive of surrounding businesses and communities," he said. "We feel it will help grow the chamber membership." Thompson, along with several board members, hopes that membership growth will allow increased resources to positively impact and support the community. By attaining growth, the Chamber can serve its core purpose, which Thompson said is to "promote this area of Jackson County and communicate to the public business opportunities and services." Thompson, who also serves on the school board and has been a member of the community for 35 years, has long term plans for the Chamber. Since becoming president, he said he has attempted to bring more organization and positive change. He describes the name change as one of many steps to promote forward motion. He also wants to see this organization evolve from just a presence in Buckner to a vast and valuable asset for businesses and communities in Northeast Jackson County. "We support business growth and want to provide more resources to facilitate this growth," Thompson said. As more resources become available, the chamber would also like to sponsor more events, provide advertising and promotions, and design publications to assist the coverage area. This upward moving trend was demonstrated in January 2014, when the Chamber sponsored the first State of the City Address, where Mayor Dan Hickson communicated his vision and plans for the City of Buckner. In an effort to better the organization and community, Thompson stresses that community member involvement is a necessary asset to the success of the organization and growth of the town. Northeast Jackson County Chamber of Commerce membership is open to all individuals and businesses at various membership levels, ranging from $30 to $150 per year. Thompson added that although membership is greatly encouraged, it is not the only way to contribute. He invites individuals to participate in open board meetings, held the third Tuesday of each month at the Buckner fire station. The Chamber also offers membership meetings which often showcase public speakers who cover an array of topics. To learn more, visit www.CityofBuckner.org, or call 816.650.3191, ext. 7. By Jessica Mauzey fundraising, and volunteer management. Design – historic preservation, planning, engineering and design, architecture, construction, property development, visual merchandising. Promotion – event organizing, marketing, branding, advertising, graphic design, public relations, fundraising. Economic restructuring – small business development, management, financing, business planning, education assistance, real estate development. Believe in Buckner cont. from page 1 FoJoin the Northeast Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Larkin encourages anyone who wants to volunteer their time and talents to get involved. "This is at its infancy," he said. "We are just getting started." Believe in Buckner meets at City Hall the first Wednesday of every month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The next meeting is May 7 th .

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