What an awesome and busy week in the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce office as we are “Working Together for Total Community Development.” It is such a joy to be able to share with each of you what’s happening in the Chamber office.

There is an array of reasons someone may join the Chamber, and while I have mentioned a few reasons from time to time, one of those reasons may be networking. In a single week, the Chamber offers a wide variety of ways to network with other members.

This week had a wonderful start as Chamber members, board members, ambassadors, sponsors, and more, celebrated and networked with Sampson Farmers Hardware for being Chamber Member of the Week.

On Tuesday we celebrated with the 2011-12 Chamber of Commerce Adult Leadership Class with dinner at The Hungry Farmer Restaurant followed by their graduation. It was awesome to hear some of their favorite moments and new found facts, even some of those who grew up in Sampson County. This program explores a wide range of “behind the scenes” activities that help Sampson County run and be the great county it is. I encourage you to contact the Chamber office today to learn more about this program and to register for the 2012-13 Adult Leadership Class.

Life in the Chamber is still going strong. This past Wednesday, the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Center at Sampson Community College conducted the last Professional Development Seminar, “I Didn’t Sign up for This, Dealing with Change in the Workplace,” taught by Mike Collins. A big thank you to Piggly Wiggly for providing the breakfast items and thank you to each of the attendees. Be sure to check out the other awesome educational opportunities, in which one can also network. Coming up is Lunch and Learns, starting next Wednesday, May 16: “Social Medi a- Why is it so important to your Business.” This first Lunch and Learn is at Zeng’s Palace. The seminar is free for Chamber members, however we do ask you purchase your lunch from the seminar restaurant.

Today should be titled “Networking Thursday,” as we are off to Roseboro for a noon ribbon-cutting with Main Street Pizza and Pub. Join us as we welcome this new business into the Chamber family. This evening we invite our Chamber members to join from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Business after Hours hosted by the Sampson Planning Department.

Don’t forget about the Chamber’s Hi Neighbor Program in order to showcase Sampson County businesses as we welcome residents that have relocated to the area. Check out the Hot Deals on the Chamber website, www.clintonsampsonchamber.org and also like us on Facebook.

I’d like to invite you to learn more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Chamber membership is available to individuals, non-profit organizations, small business, corporate business and more. We are over 350 members strong, and continuing to grow. Give us a call at 910-592-6177 and let us be a part of your business or organization today.

Please join me next week on WCLN for the latest happenings at the Clinton Sampson Chamber of Commerce. Thanks again and make it a great weekend, right here in Sampson County where as we say, “You’ll like the way we work and you’ll love the way we live”.