Oxford, MS— The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is excited to enter its third year of the LOU Ambassadors program. The LOU Ambassadors are a prestigious group of individuals from the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce member investors who volunteer to enhance communication between the Chamber staff/Board and its membership. More importantly, the Ambassadors are vital links in helping the Chamber understand the needs of its membership.
BancorpSouth, a major partner in the Oxford community, has taken the lead in being the Chamber’s sponsor of the Ambassador Program for the third consecutive year.
The program offers members an opportunity to represent their business while networking at Chamber functions and events, simultaneously increasing business’ visibility and exposure in the community. LOU Chamber Ambassadors are the official representatives of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce throughout the community. Their responsibilities include participation in a variety of programs, projects and activities, including: attending ribbon cutting events, networking events, mixers and other Chamber functions throughout the year. Additionally they are assigned a list of Chamber members whom they keep in close contact with and help maximize the members’ investment in the Chamber.
The Ambassadors for the 2013-2014 year are as follows: Tami Tacke, LOU Ambassdors Chair, with Mechanics Bank; Matt Bishop, Shelter Insurance; Dawn Boutwell, Alfa Insurance; Lauren Bowar, The Retreat of Oxford; Devin Carter, Lafayette Carpet Cleaning; Tina Chandler, FNB Oxford; Andie Cooper, Gumtree Mortgage; Matthew Copp, MRC Landscape Architecture; Marshall Fratesi, Bank of Oxford; Ashley Frye, Holiday Inn Express; Hunter Harrelson, Merrill-Lynch; William Haynes, University Weight Management Clinic; Miriam Knight, FNB Oxford; Torie Marion, Justice Network of Mississippi; Phillip McLane, Back Yard Burgers; Michelle Mason, Mechanics Bank; Justin Ramsey, BancorpSouth; Josh Samuels, Carothers Construction; Kim Taylor, FNC, Inc.; Mike Tomes, Kessinger Real Estate; Michael Williamson, BancorpSouth; and Jessica Windham, hibu.
“The Ambassador Program is comprised of business and individual members of our Chamber and they play a critical role in maintaining strong relationships with our investors and fostering a welcoming environment where they can make lasting business connections,” stated Pam Swain, Chamber Vice President. “We are thrilled to have this active group communicating daily with our members and helping them to get the most out of their membership investment and benefits.”
“A point system was created to track each Ambassador’s volunteer hours. Each quarter the Ambassador with the most points will be recognized as the BancorpSouth Ambassador of the Quarter. At the end of the Chamber’s fiscal year the Ambassador with the most points will be presented the BancorpSouth Ambassador of the Year Award, which will be announced at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in June of 2014. In addition, BancorpSouth will award the winner with two season tickets to the 2014 Ole Miss Football Season,” explained Tami Tacke, LOU Ambassador Chairman.
Since the Ambassadors program began its new program year in June, 41 new members have joined the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber has hosted 17 ribbon cuttings, which is a 240% increase over the same time period last year.
For more information about our LOU Ambassadors go to http://chamber.oxfordms.com/programs-events/lou-ambassadors/
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is the most dynamic business organization in our community where businesses and professionals come together to work to improve the business climate and quality of life for our area. With over 550 members, the Chamber strives to undertake programs and projects which seek a positive business climate conducive to growth of the private enterprise system, raising per capita income and providing strong financial, physical and human resources, for the citizens of Oxford and Lafayette County. These goals are accomplished through a variety of avenues, including networking opportunities, seminars, events, marketing opportunities, referrals, leadership programs, or other resources available exclusively to Chamber members.
For more information, please contact Pam Swain at the Oxford – Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce at 662-234-4651 or go to www.oxfordms.com.