SpectraPrint, a division of The Papers Incorporated, works directly with several area chambers of commerce to sell advertising, produce and deliver products to each. The various products include membership directories, image magazines, maps, tourism products; all designed and developed to suit each chamber’s unique request. Last spring, SpectraPrint completed the sales, production and delivery of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce 2013 Membership Directory. A portion of all sales secured by SpectraPrint is rebated to each chamber it works for, as the company feels it is important to give back to each community.
Pictured are President Richard Owen, left; Beth Kroes, committee chairman; and Executive Director Tammy Cotton. (Photo by Martha Stoelting)

How the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce can assist local businesses in using other local businesses was a main topic of consideration for the chamber board of directors at its monthly meeting.

Chip Erwin, head of the ambassadors committee, is ready to launch a new “shop locally” campaign aimed not only at consumers, but other local businesses as well. “When the summer season is over, it’s up to those of us who remain to help each other out,” he explained.

One of the suggestions is to have each and every business with an outside display sign, put up the words “Shop Locally” or a variation thereof. Executive Director Tammy Cotton noted, “We just have to keep pushing for our businesses to know what each other does and to support each other. The chamber directory is an excellent starting point to find out information about each other.”

KEDCo, the county economic development organization, is starting a series of roundtables in Syracuse. The first one will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, in Syracuse Community Center’s Celebration Hall. Share your vision for economic growth and learn what other business leaders are thinking at this event.

All business owners are invited to attend. A continental breakfast will be served. To reserve a spot, contact the chamber, 574-457-5637. “We are honored to be the first community to host one of these events,” noted Cotton.

Board member Chad Jonsson presented the task force committee report. The first event coming up is the Fall Harvest Festival at the Syracuse Artisans and Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. While the chamber is not a sponsor, the task force will do the coordination. Other groups involved include Grace Lutheran Church, Wawasee Kiwanis Club, Syracuse Lions Club, Syracuse Parks Department and Grandma’s Cupcakery.

The opening of the holiday shopping season, Holiday Magic, will take place Saturday, Nov. 23. From noon to 4 p.m. there will be gingerbread house making at the Lakeland Youth Center as well as horse drawn carriage rides. The action moves to Veterans Memorial at Crosson Mill Park where from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. there will be carriage rides, live entertainment, cookies and coca, lighting of the town Christmas tree and Santa Claus will pay a visit from the North Pole.

The chamber board will hold a retreat from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the chamber office, 110 1/2 E. Main St. All board members should attend. Ritch Hochstetler from uLEAD will be the moderator.

New members welcomed in the past month are Smoker Craft Inc., New Paris; Hometown Floral, Milford; and Lakeside Equestrian, Syracuse. A ribbon cutting was held at Lizard’s Lounge, Milford; and Omega Computer Solutions, Syracuse. Letters for membership renewal will be going out soon. H & R Block has moved to the former Dixon Menswear building while Radio Shack is moving across SR 13 from Adventures in Health.

The next meeting of the chamber board will be held at noon Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the chamber office.