Terry Farr and Bill Cruse of the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce spoke to members of the Rotary Club of Picayune about the direction the Chamber of Commerce is heading.

Farr began his presentation by sharing that the Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors recently attended a working retreat at the Silver Slipper Casino. During the retreat, the Board of Directors established goals for the Chamber to achieve in the next three-to-five years.

One of the goals includes increasing the number of members.

Currently, the Chamber has about 230 members and one of their goals is to increase that number to 500 by the year 2020.

Farr said while 500 is a big number, there are many businesses in the Picayune area that are not part of the Chamber. The Chamber also offers individual and student memberships to those interested in joining.

The second goal is to develop a financial plan. Farr said the Chamber has had to take money out of its “rainy day” fund but would like to not touch that account in the future.

The Board of Directors also established an annual financial plan and budget, which will allow the Chamber to host multiple events throughout the year. During the retreat, the Board of Directors also developed a method to add value to members.

While the Board wants to increase the number of members, it also wants new and existing members to participate in Chamber events throughout the year, Farr said.

“We have had events in the past in which everyone in the same room doesn’t know each other and our goal is to help everyone meet new people,” Farr said.

The Board also defined the Chamber’s purpose, which includes, increasing business opportunities, supporting growth of the community, supporting technology and online communication, promoting local businesses with positive leadership and commitment, networking among businesses and supporting diversity.

“Our goal is to make a difference for everyone and to promote our local businesses,” Cruse said.

To learn more about the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce and its upcoming events, visit the Facebook page or visit greaterpicayunechamber.org.