Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce board member Beth Kroes reported her research results to the rest of the board about bringing the Taste of Home cooking show back to Syracuse.

Kroes said the organization gave them a “no,” stating the Indiana market was currently over-saturated. If one of its scheduled shows were to cancel, the organization stated it would consider letting Syracuse fill the opening.

After sharing this information, Kroes stated she had the thought that perhaps the chamber could contact a notable chef and hold their own cooking show, possibly still for 2014.

Board members discussed the idea and have put together a small committee to brainstorm ideas, pursue contacts in the culinary industry and determine the viability of such an event.

A county-wide shop local initiative could also possibly be in the works for this holiday season, according to Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Cotton and board member Chip Erwin.

While nothing is set in stone, if the initiative is finalized, area chambers would cooperate with each other to promote each others’ special events during the holiday season — encouraging individuals to stop in each town and shop at local businesses.
Brenda Bulger, Milford PNC Bank branch manager and Milford Chamber of Commerce board member, was welcomed to the meeting to observe the Syracuse Chamber’s operations. Bulger noted the Milford Chamber was struggling and in need of more active participation.

Chamber president Richard Owen told Bulger the Syracuse Chamber was there to do anything to assist Milford without stepping on any feet.

In other chamber news:

• The finance committee recommended the chamber utilize KeyBank’s merchant services, starting with a six-month trial, which will then be re-accessed at the end of the trial. Owen noted that with KeyBank the chamber would save money. Board members approved the motion.
• Holiday Magic is set for Nov. 23. Activities during it will include gingerbread house making at Lakeland Youth Center, horse drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, cookies and cocoa, Santa Claus and the lighting of the Christmas tree at Crosson Mill Park.
• Two new members were accepted into the chamber: Whetten Pizza and Coffee News of Northern Indiana.

Next chamber meeting is at noon Sept. 4.