By J.R. Tidwell / Editor

Francine Wasden has yet to officially take over as the new director of the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, but she is already bringing forth some new ideas to the organization.

Recently, the Chamber has begun putting out a newsletter through email that highlights some upcoming events put on by Chamber members.

Wasden would like to see that newsletter become a weekly email so that recipients remain informed of these events and activities.

She said she wants the newsletter to include information on events coming up within two weeks of the date each email was sent.

“Chamber members can send us a brochure or a flyer, and we will help let the public know (about the events),” Wasden said. “It’s a way for Chamber members to get information about their events out there.”

Wasden has been in the same role at the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce in Butler County before being named the new Chilton County Chamber director.

Another idea she is bringing with her from Greenville is having a Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Month.”

“It’s just our way to recognize a business and let them know we appreciate them being a Chamber member and that we appreciate what they are doing,” she said. “We like to highlight members and let them know they are appreciated.”

Wasden said the first Chamber Business of the Month will be selected on Aug. 2. Members of the Chamber’s executive board will make these selections.

“We have a couple of businesses that people have commented on,” she said.

The business that is selected will receive a sign to put out front for the month.

“It’s got the (Chamber) logo on there,” Wasden said. “We will probably have a planter with the sign sitting in there. That way we can move it from month to month to the next business.”