Chamber of commerce seeks members

The Millen/Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking members to promote the community and local businesses. Business membership is $75. Corporate is $150 and individual membership is $35.

Chamber benefits include placement on an exclusive list of businesses that are recommended to those looking for particular services; access to group health insurance through Blue Cross/Blue Shield at discounted rates; a 7 percent reduction of workers compensation premiums for participat- ing in the Drugs Don't Work program; access to economic resources for starting and maintaining a business; membership is an agency that actively promotes the community as an ideal location to shop, live and operate a business.

In the past, the chamber has worked closely with Millen Better Hometown to accomplish the following: produce a promotional brochure for Millen/Jenkins County; sponsor community events such as Easter Egg Hunt, Patriotic Celebration, Harvest of Fun and Christmas in Millen; sponsor Christmas Business Open House; sponsor Market Day on Cotton Avenue to bring shoppers downtown; recognized commendable physical improvements and maintenance with the Chamber Applauds sign; promote new businesses with ribbon-cutting for grand opening; secure the services of the Georgia Department of Labor to assist victims of job loss; apply to Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) to have a section of roadway in Jenkins County designated as a Scenic By-way, part of which includes Cotton Avenue; secure agreement with DOT to include a bike lane in the widening of U.S. Highway 25 from Millen to Magnolia Springs State Park; sponsor the annual chamber banquet; secure funds for a train-viewing platform on Cotton Avenue; secure funds through a TEgrant for street improvements on Cotton Avenue to begin in 2008; and begin revisions and improvement of the Millen/ Jenkins County website.

For information on how to join the chamber, contact Paula Herrington at (478) 982-5595.