Cheyenne Happenings

Twitter: The Basics

2009-08-25T11:09:00.002-06:00

Social Media

I recently attended ACCE (American Chamber of Commerce Executives) in Raleigh, NC. Despite my spending most of the time trying to recover from a bad bike wreck, I picked up lots of valuable information. The biggest wave was social media. All week there were packed workshops and classes on the subject. The overall message was that it is everywhere and is a blossoming forum. I am a bit of a facebook, twitter, blogger, flickr addict, but how many people out there use and feel comfortable with social media? It seems like the responsibilities of social media get pushed on the younger people in the office just based on their inherent knowledge of online communication. But one thing I pulled from the classes is that this is not a fad and will not be disappearing anytime soon. It is essential for all business people (regardless of age or skill level) to learn and take advantage of social media. I will give some quick lessons on how to get started.

The easiest is Twitter. For those not familiar, it is essentially the same as a
Facebook status. Or in layman’s terms, it is a short, 140 character sentence designed to answer the question, “What are you doing right now?” To get started:
1) Go to Twitter.com
2) Click the “Get Started” button
3) Pick your identifying information and fill in your email address. If you are doing a personal Twitter, fill out your real name and pick a cute username. For a business, fill out your real name, and use the company name as your username. This lets you keep it personal and informal but still focused on business. IMPORTANT: Do not use your business account for personal tweets! All the other companies won’t care that you just picked your kids up or ate a sandwich.
4) Click “Create account” and you’re done! From there, you can upload a photo (I recommend a company logo) pick a background or upload your own and fill out the short profile section.
5) Start tweeting! Write about upcoming conferences, link to upcoming events, etc. If you aren’t sure what to write, look up what similar people are doing. For example, if you work for a Chamber, go to Search and type “Chamber.”
6) Followers: Twitter works based on follower/followee relationships. When you find someone else in your community, line of business, etc. you can choose to follow them by clicking the “follow” option by their name. In turn, people will look you up and follow you. Who ever follows you can read your tweets and vice versa. The more followers you have, the better. It is a great way to share up to the minute info, communicate with others, and you can brag about what your favorite politician or celebrity tweeted that day. (Tip: Lance Armstrong has a great twitter)

Rules of Twitter Etiquette to follow…

Any questions?

Total Resource Campaign

2009-04-08T11:22:00.002-06:00

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

2009-03-12T15:26:00.005-06:00

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!

2008-12-04T11:36:00.008-07:00

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

2008-11-14T10:27:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-11T14:54:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-06T14:42:00.006-07:00

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!

2008-11-04T09:01:00.003-07:00

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!

Great Events

2008-10-22T11:33:00.000-06:00

As a teenager growing up in Cheyenne, everyone constantly complained that there was nothing to do. If there is one thing I have learned by working at the Chamber, that is absolutely not true. Here are a couple of our recent and upcoming highlights:

- The Mayoral Match-up last Friday, Oct. 17th. Getting up to go to the 7:30am event was completely worth it. After a great breakfast provided by Little America, both candidates weighed in on their views on how to improve Cheyenne. Both were sharp, interesting and well-informed. Our panelists (from the Chamber's Action and Advocacy Committee) did an excellent job asking questions and moderating. We pulled our questions from an on-line poll sent to our Membership. The Chamber is working to get increasingly technology-oriented, and this was one of the added benefits. Hopefully we will be able to provide audio of the debate on our website soon.

Upcoming events:
-Boo-Ball! We have a flyer for this event posted on our "Press Room" page on the website, as well as a logo right here. It is a real Halloween costume party, and it quite an amazing event. I already have my ticket! There is info on the poster as to where you can buy tickets, or they can alwasy be purchased here at the Chamber. I am wondering what to be for Halloween?

Business to Business Expo

2008-10-16T11:18:00.000-06:00

The Chamber celebrated our Business to Business Expo last night at the Holiday Inn. It was a blast! The booths were put together by Chamber Members for their businesses, and they did a wonderful job. The booths were complete with wonderful giveaways, raffles and candy. Food, drinks, and good company made the Expo a good time for all, as well as an excellent business opportunity. Here is gallery of the event...the pictures speak for themselves!

Upcoming Luncheon

2008-09-30T09:40:00.000-06:00

FYI to all!
Our chamber luncheon is coming up this Friday, October 3rd at 11:30am at the Plains Hotel. It is for Members only and we need to have reservations in advance. We hope to see you all there!
We are encouraging all attendees to make sure they know their login and password for the ChamberMaster site, and to use that to register for events (Yes, I know there is lots of encouragement to use the website!).
Also, be sure to check our Events Calendar for upcoming events. Free food is always good!

Leap of Faith-Junior Leadership 2008

2008-09-18T08:58:00.000-06:00

Our website has a news article entittled "Leap of Faith" in which we highlight the accomplishments of this year's Junior Leadership class. The article reads as follows:

"The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership class took on the ropes training course at the end of September and conquered.
The class, comprised of 29 Cheyenne high school juniors was put through the paces by a team of specialists from Cheyenne’s Parks and Recreation Department. Shannon Youmans, Sports Program Specialist says, “This is a full-day of team building, and trusting. We start with icebreakers and work our way up to problem solving as a group. The days events culminate with the “Dangle-Duo” where the participants leap
from a high pole to a trapeze swing, while their teammates cheer them on.”
The course itself looks like an elaborate boot camp, complete with climbing wall, ropes, harnesses, pulleys, climbing poles and a trapeze. The young adults looked to be having the time of their lives, all while learning critical team building skills. Caitlin Moseley a Junior at Central High School said, “at first it’s really scary, but, once you face it, it’s not that bad. I’ve learned today that it takes a lot to be a successful group.”

Junior Leadership Committee representative Michelle Bolkovatz says the program is completely modeled after the Leadership Cheyenne Program. Junior Leadership got its start as a class project of the Leadership Cheyenne graduating class of 2000. “We have students from three high schools in this year’s class, they have embraced one another, without rivalry, I’m just so impressed with these young people.”
Junior Leadership Class events will continue for the remainder of the school year, graduation is set for Spring with the Leadership Cheyenne Class."

We encourage all of you who participated, or any one that has before, to tell us what your favorite part of Junior Leadership was, or what you learned by participating?

September 11th

2008-09-11T14:57:00.000-06:00

This morning we saw a small 9/11 remembrance ceremony in front of the Depot as we all came into work. Seeing that caused us to take the time to remember the events of September 11, 2001, and we ask you to do the same. What were you doing on September 11th? We encourage you to leave a comment telling what you remember about that day and how it changed your life.

Congressional Forum

2008-09-05T15:36:00.000-06:00

Hello Cheyenne! There has been a lot going on with the Chamber and Cheyenne lately. Most recently, we held our Congressional Forum Luncheon on Friday in the Depot Plaza. The Forum was held in conjunction with the 2008 Rib Fest, and was a great time for all. Starting at 11:30am, our tent began to fill with over 200 of our business and local community members. They came for the opportunity to snack on delicious ribs and coleslaw while listening to our 2008 Congressional House candidates speak. Candidates Cynthia Lummis (R), Gary Trauner (D) and W. David Herbert (L) got better acquainted with voters through a Question and Answer session moderated by our own Chairman of the Board, Rick Schum. The candidates answered questions ranging from local issues, such as how to deal with an aging population, to national concerns on veterans and healthcare. It was an amazing opportunity for voters to hear the candidates speak one-on-one. Often, Wyoming politics don't get the coverage they deserve, and we are glad the Chamber could provide such a forum for our candidates, as well as the community. Despite the chilly weather, the rain held off and the luncheon was a complete success. We took our own poll on who people wanted to vote for after hearing the candidates, and encourage you to join our completely non-partisan poll as well. Thank for everyone's hard work.

Here is a great article from the Casper Start Tribune about the event:
http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/09/06/news/wyoming/db5f30f5d6a2540d872574bc0009e0fe.txt

Cheyenne Frontier Days Fun!

2008-07-07T10:13:00.000-06:00

We are gearing up for Cheyenne Frontier Days and our Pardners in Prosperity Luncheon. The luncheon will feature great entertainer's, including Hawaiian Dancers and the Bit-O-Wyo Band.

So get out your best western duds and mark your calendar for July 18th!