Total Resource Campaign

As you have probably heard by now, the Chamber is beginning a Total Resource Campaign. And as many of you are probably asking, “What on earth is a total resource campaign?” While the campaign itself may be a foreign idea, the concept is actually pretty simple. Rather than selling sponsorships throughout the year, we are concentrating into one time frame and utilizing volunteers to help sell. Since people rarely like to volunteer for something they get no benefit out of, we are offering some amazing prizes for selling sponsorships, culminating with a trip to Mexico. The interesting thing about TRC is that is actually mutually beneficial to all involved, and the prizes are relatively easy to win. We have so many Chamber events, functions and committees (and therefore captive audiences) that sponsorships bring a lot of attention to local businesses. The volunteers have a fun time organizing teams and winning prizes, and it allows us to sell and organize all our sponsorships through a tried and true program. The teams are quickly organizing and coming up with some great names, like the “Ringing Cow-bells” (which is an inside joke, just ask a staff member if you’re curious). There are still slots open if you would like to be a part of TRC. I hope everyone has a great season and best of luck to everyone involved!

Annual Banquet

I hope everyone had as good a time at Annual Banquet as I did! Little America is a fantastic venue for a fancy event, and we worked hard to spruce it up from years’ past. Also, the event stayed on track and didn’t drag into the wee hours, which always makes programs more enjoyable. Our speaker, Rep. Cynthia Lummis, was very topical and interesting, and had a couple entertaining stories as well. If you missed it, here is Rep. Lummis on the “Know Your District” segment of the Colbert Report on Comedy Central.

Click here to watch

I think she did a pretty good job dealing with Colbert’s political satire. Very funny!

On top of the lively program and elegant atmosphere, we also had a silent auction hosted by the Artist Guild. I won’t go into the details for all that were present (and for those that weren’t, you will forever be in the dark) but it was quite a fun night. Here are some great pictures from the night as well!

Holiday Greetings!

Thank you to those who submitted ideas to our Holiday Contest! Unfortunately, we did not have enough entries for a complete Top Ten list, but thank you for submitting.

Our most creative idea was submitted by Robin, who said, "I think with times being tough - you could make a "goodie" basket filled with items that are in "need". I'm thinking breads, canned goods, gas cards, even coupons for babysitting, or a gift certificate from the Cheyenne Chamber. Remember the "Reason for the Season", and the great thing is you can vary the pricing on your baskets to fit your budget!" If Robin could get in contact with us (638-3388) we can arrange how she can recieve her prizes.

How are all of you enjoying the holiday weather? If thinks keep up we most certainly be having a white Christmas. The Chamber participated in this year's Christmas parade to get the season rolling right.












Also, we have been enjoying the snow falling in the soft, windless way that is so uncharacteristic of Cheyenne. Rather than a vertical white-out,the falling flakes made for some lovely photos of the Depot.

Christmas Top Ten Contest

It is astounding how many events take place in Cheyenne around Christmas-time. There is Gingerbread Contest, Christkindmarkt (a craft show), the Festival of Trees, and going to see Santa, just to name a few. The best part (or worst, for some) is the Christmas shopping. Around Cheyenne, there are many creative gifts that could help someone who doesn’t know what to give. We are going to begin doing “Top Ten” lists in which the number one will get a prize, and this will be the first. In the comment section of this blog, submit your entry for the most creative Christmas present. Whether it is in your own store, or something you saw out Christmas shopping, we would love to know about it! It is a great way to get some publicity around the holidays. We will publish the Top Ten list here, and the top entry will get a picture on our blog, a free ¼ page ad in our Holiday Newsletter, and a free web ad for the month. Thanks!!

ATHENA Luncheon

Hello! We just had our November Luncheon, which was ATHENA oriented. If you aren't in the know, ATHENA is an exceptional group that works to promote women in the business world. Every year, they award someone (a male or female) that works to promote the cause. This year, our winner was Jo Ferguson! Congratulations to her! Here are a few more photos from the event:

Post-Election

Whether you are crying in your coffee or dancing in the streets over the results, thanks to all who took the time to vote! High voter turnout coupled with pressing national and local issues made for quite the season. Now that the excitement is wearing off, the issues that triggered the campaigns are taking over. We are interested to see what you all think...
What do you think the future economy of Cheyenne will be? Is the economic crisis a hiccup or a tidal wave?
The new wave of politicians are making this a priority and we are interested to see how they handle it.

Election Day!

Hello!
What was it about today I was supposed to remember? Oh yes, the election! If you aren't already completely exhausted by the constant bombardment of campaign ads, news stories and watercooler arguments, today is the day! Regardless of your choice, it is so important to take the time to vote. And in this historical election, it is more important than ever. The sooner the better considering the number of voters likely to turn out today. I went out to vote early and waited in line for over an hour. Also, in such a heated election, it is important to not remain divided after the election, even if your choice doesn't win. Just some election commentary thrown out there for you.

In other news:
I hope you all had a great Halloween. Boo Ball was the highlight of my holiday, but I also spent a fair amount of time watching Ghost Hunters. I encourage everyone to attend Boo Ball next year, if for no other reason to see the costumes. People go all out for that event! There was everything from Edward Scissorhands to Dog the Bounty Hunter.
Also, coming up this Friday already, we have our Chamber Luncheon. It is celebrating ATHENA (check out our website for more info) and is at Little America. Reservations can be made on the webiste under the Chamber Events section. Hope to see you all there!