To celebrate the Christmas season, our December Membership Meeting will be a BREAKFAST! Please plan to join your fellow members on Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 am at St. Joseph Parish Life Center (1217 Gallatin Rd. behind Napa Auto Parts). The St. Joseph Chil-dren’s Choir will be providing our entertainment for the morning. Cost for this wonderful breakfast buffet is $13.00.
Please make your reservations by calling the Chamber at
865-5400 or RSVP HERE.
In the spirit of Christmas, we are asking everyone to
bring a NEW, unwrapped toy(s) to donate to the Christian Cooperative Ministry.
K ick off the Christmas season with your Madison community at the lighting of Madison's 'official' Christmas tree on
Wednesday, December 7 at 5:30 pm on the front lawn of Madison Public Library. Please come to watch a Chamber family light the decorated 30-ft+ tree, which was donated by Wm. Massey Electric, then join us in singing Christmas carols, and visit with Santa Claus! Be sure to bring your smiles and your cameras!
VOLUME XXXI, NUMBER 12
New Nashville State Campus to Open in
Madison as Soon as Fall 2017 Nashville State Community College President George Van Allen announced November 28 that the Madison Toyota/Lexus property at 1520 Gallatin Rd. will likely become the location of the Nashville State Madison Cam-pus and could begin accepting students as early as 2017. According to Dr. Van Allen, the college has notified the owner of its interest in purchasing the property. If an agreement can be reached, the college will renovate two existing buildings on the 13-acre property, with the intent of beginning classes in Fall 2017. Dr. Van Allen said, “we fully expect to have hundreds of students as soon as we open and thousands within five years.”
Sen. Steve Dickerson, a key supporter of the project, explains why this particular campus is so important. "Expanding access to higher education is the key to help-ing grow opportunity for our state's students. It is espe-cially critical in lower-served areas and this new campus will have a direct, positive impact on both students' lives and the community of Madison as a whole. I want to commend Nashville State for the great progress they have made in making this new campus a reality.” The Madison campus will be funded through College reserves which have taken decades to accumulate. Dr. Van Allen stated, “Long–term planning, and the commitment and energy of the college’s faculty and staff are the only reasons we are able to build the campus. I cannot say enough about their dedication to our mission and to the community.”
Rep. Bill Beck says, “This announcement of the Madison Campus is a realization of a goal I have worked on since I was the President of the Madison-Rivergate Chamber of Commerce over 10 years ago. Madison has more than ten for-profit secondary schools and we are in a desperate need of a public college to educate our students.”
President Van Allen agreed with Beck’s assessment. "The Madison area was selected because of the demograph-ics. The State is committed to reaching underserved populations in an attempt help them receive the education necessary to improve their economic status.” He contin-ued, “We are grateful to all our community and elected leaders who have helped us move the project forward, especially former Mayor Karl Dean who provided the foundation for the College’s Antioch Campus and asked
It’s Time to ‘ReIt’s Time to ‘ReIt’s Time to ‘ReIt’s Time to ‘Re----Up’! Up’! Up’! Up’! All Chamber Members were sent their
2017 Membership Renewal the last week in November. Don’t forget the benefits below, in
addition to the many benefits already offered, including weekly networking, business referrals,
community events and more.
Spotlights on Business Packages are available for $50.00, limited to 3 per luncheon. You will receive a 6-ft table for a display, and 2-minutes to tell about your business. You must pro-vide a $25.00 door prize. Includes 2 luncheon tickets.
After-Hours Packages will be available for $50.00. Limited to 10 per year. Host an After Hours and receive a free Spotlight on Business to promote the event at the prior luncheon. Includes 2 luncheon tickets
Mass Emails, with your target message, can be sent to the over 300 contacts in our
database for only $50.00. Need artwork? We can also design it for you for a minimal fee.
Pay in advance for a FULL year of luncheons. This will save time in line, plus money, as we’ll give you a discount! See article below!!
And many more benefits...you can’t afford NOT to join!And many more benefits...you can’t afford NOT to join!And many more benefits...you can’t afford NOT to join!And many more benefits...you can’t afford NOT to join! If you have any questions about your invoice or membership, call us at 865-5400. Also… don’t forget that you can become a PRESIDENT’S CLUB SPONSOR and BUNDLE your sponsorship dollars for the year! Sponsorships start at $1,000. If you would be interested, please contact the Chamber office by email or phone.
Sign Up for a FULL YEAR of Luncheons...NOW! We our offering our Members the opportunity to pay in advance for a FULL year of lunch-eons! This will save time in line, plus money, as we’ll give you a discount! Cost is $117 per person. This includes 10 luncheons (we don’t have a luncheon in January and July is our free Community Breakfast) AND we’ll give you 1-month FREE for paying for the whole year! Please note that if you cannot attend a month you may send someone in your place, but no refunds may be given.
INTERESTED? You can either add the $117 to your invoice payment; mail us the $117 separately to P.O. Box 97, Madison, TN 37116; or call us at 615-865-5400 with a credit card.
2016 MRACC
Board of Directors
OFFICERS DAVID MCMURRY, PRESIDENT
Roof Doctors • 448-6349 [email protected]
RON SMITH, PRESIDENT-ELECT
ESCU • 687-4801 [email protected]
CATHY HOORMANN, VICE PRESIDENT
Kickin’ Coffee and Tea 294-7849 • [email protected]
PEGGY SHOAF, SECRETARY
Madison Suburban Utility District 868-3201 • [email protected]
RAY TATE, TREASURER
First Bank 851-4620 • [email protected]
KAREN RAMSEY, PAST PRESIDENT
Miller’s Florist 868-2696 • [email protected]
NATHAN MASSEY, ECD EX-OFFICIO
Wm Massey Electric 612-3100 • [email protected]
BOARD TARA BESSLING, Spring Hill Funeral
Home & Cemetery • 865-1101 • [email protected]
MARK CAIN, CSSI • 860-5600 • [email protected]
FREDA EVANS, SunTrust Investment Services, Inc. • 7484486 • [email protected]
MAGGIE MARTIN, Bailey’s Wrecker 277-1283• [email protected]
RICKY PERRY, Goodpasture Christian
School • 868-2600 • [email protected]
DAVID PITZER, C. David Pitzer, P.C., CPA
851-2727 • [email protected]
PHIL RYAN, Cherry & Associates [email protected]
KATHY SAGER, AT&T • [email protected]
RICHARD SCHULTZ,
Schultz Monument Company 712-9521 •
SGT. JAMES VIVRETTE, Community Liaison Officer for Madison Police Precinct 880-3111 • [email protected]
STAFF
DEBBIE MASSEY, EX. DIRECTOR
865-5400 [email protected]
Nashville State...continued from page 1
that Madison be given the same consideration. We are fortunate to have the same level of support from Mayor Megan Berry and look forward to working with her on opening the Madison Campus and hopefully another as well so that no region of Nashville is void of ac-cess to public, higher education.”
The business community is also supportive of Nashville State’s choice to open the new cam-pus right in the heart of Madison-Rivergate. Nathan Massey, Chair of Economic Community Development for Madison-Rivergate Area Chamber of Commerce, states, “The Chamber is ecstatic to hear the news of the Nashville State Madison Campus! The strength of the com-munity will be enhanced by the educational opportunities of higher learning. A strong educa-tion will not only generate a strong work force, but a higher quality of life for those who attend. Madison is an excellent choice for the campus with strong infrastructure, bus line “BRT”, prime location and amenities to support the school and the students. We are grateful to Dr. Van Allen and countless others that made this possible.”
Nashville State offers a quality affordable education through associates degrees and 1-year certificate programs for nearly 10,000 students at locations in Nashville, Antioch, Clarksville, Dickson, and Humphreys County. Information on how to apply for the new Madison Campus or any Nashville State campus is available here.
HOLIDAY EVENTS & OPEN HOUSES
We have been presented with several other giving opportunities this season if you are interested. • The Christian Cooperative Ministry
(CCM) here in Madison is the busiest food donation center within the Second Harvest system. They are especially busy during the holidays, seeing up to 35 families every day. They can use instant potatoes, canned vegetables and fruit, stuffing, soup, cereal, peanut butter, mac & cheese, etc. You can bring donations to the Chamber or directly to the CCM at 201 Madison St.
• CCM is also collecting toys and stock-
ing stuffers for children. Last year, more than 1,000 toys were distributed to children in families served by CCM. Your toy donations are requested by December 9—and we will be collecting at our Chamber Breakfast the morning of December 8. Share the joy; give a toy!
• Dillard's of Rivergate Mall is hosting
a special shopping event for King's Daughters Child Development Cen-ter! Shop the Calvin Klein department the week of December 4th-10th and for every $100 spent $10 will be donated to King's Daughters! This is a great opportunity to do a little Christmas Shopping while supporting King's Daughters at the same time.
• RiverGate Mall will be hosting an
American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, December 16 from 2:00-7:00 pm and in the RiverGate Mall Sears Court. Give the Gift of Life this Holiday Season!
WAYS YOU CAN HELP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Sunday, December 4
TREE OF MEMORIES SERVICES
2:00 & 4:00 pm Cole & Garrett Goodlettsville & White House
RSVP by Dec. 2nd to 615-859-5231 and receive a personalized ornament Time
is 2:00 at the Goodlettsville location and 4:00 at the White House location.
Tuesday, December 6
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
10:00am to 2:00 pm FiftyForward Madison Station 301 Madison St.
Christmas Treat Bake Sale; Door Prizes; Professional Gift Wrapping;
Photo Booth; Christmas Music with Choraliers & Band
Thursday, December 8
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
6:00 pm Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery
5110 Gallatin Rd. 37216
The candle lighting will be accompanied by a reading of the names of those
we honor. Place a memorial ornament on one of our memorial trees.
Thursday, December 8
GRACE MANOR 1st ANNUAL WREATH
EVENT & SILENT AUCTION
6:00 to 8:00 pm
1420 Old Hickory Blvd. Nashville 37207
Bid on your favorite wreath and the
highest bidder will take it home!
Saturday, December 10
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
11 am until 2 pm Amqui Station &
Visitor’s Center 303 Madison St.
The young and young at heart are invited to stop by and enjoy hot chocolate
and a treat while writing a postcard to Santa Claus, making an ornament or
other festive craft, and learning the story of the railroad station Christmas
tree.
Tuesday, December 13
C. DAVID PITZER CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
11:00 am to 1:30 pm 118 Two Mile Pike in Goodlettsville
Celebrate the Season with lots of Christmas goodies and cheer!
Friday, December 16
FIRST BANK CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
11 am until 2 pm 885 Conference Dr Goodlettsville
Enjoy refreshments; Bring the children to visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Bring a canned food item to donate to the Goodlettsville Help Center
Can You Provide an “Opportunity NOW for Nashville’s Youth? Mayor Megan Barry is looking for more business and community leaders to join the effort of providing paid summer jobs for Nashville’s youth next summer for her Opportunity NOW program, a coordinated initiative launched in November to provide young people in Davidson County access to employment. In Nashville, we have seen fewer and fewer teenagers and young adults working during the summers and after-school. At the same time, Nashville employers across various industries are concerned about the lack of “soft” skills among their youngest employees—skills most readily learned through actual work experience. “Opportunity NOW will be most successful with public, private and not-for-profit organizations collaborating to connect our youth to opportunity and jobs,” said Mayor Barry. “Employers serve as the foundation of this initiative and the key to providing meaningful worksites, engaged supervisors, and quality opportunities for young people. I’m calling all local businesses to join us as Opportunity NOW partners, and help us make a difference in the lives of Nashville’s youth.” The initiative was created based on recommendations from the Mayor’s Youth Violence Summit as a way to connect youth to real work experience. Opportunity NOW is designed to combat the growing gap in youth employment and will be the central system for delivering jobs to young people. As a public-private partnership, Opportunity NOW invites community stakeholders to financially contribute to this mission.
Employers can engage with Opportunity NOW by: · Partnering with the initiative to hire young people directly, · Providing work sites for young people participating in a more structured program, and · Donating towards the per-participant cost. “There is no business too big or too small to be a partner in Opportunity NOW,” said Charles Story, chair of the Middle Tennessee Workforce Develop-ment Board, which oversees the Nash-ville Career Advancement Center, which is managing Opportunity NOW. “Whether it is hiring a young person for the summer or sponsoring a young per-son through a contribution to Opportu-nity NOW, everyone can play their part to ensure we meet the Mayor’s goal of 10,000 youth employed this coming summer.”
Interested employers are encouraged to contact [email protected] for more information.
Enrollment for youth applying for employment through Opportunity NOW will begin in January 2017 for the sum-mer program. Mayor Barry has set a goal of giving 10,000 youth, ages 14-24, access to jobs or meaningful, paid internships by the summer of 2017.
Annual Banquet on January 19
Celebrates our Past and Future The MRACC’s Annual Banquet, which recognizes outstanding members from 2016 as well as installs our 2017 Chamber Board Members will be held Thursday, January 19 . Location is TO BE ANNOUNCED, so stay tuned! Hors'derves will be served at 6:00 pm; dinner will begin at 6:30 pm. (Please note that we will not have a member luncheon in January in lieu of the Banquet). In addition to recognizing our past, we will be celebrating our future with the installation of our 2017 MRACC Board Members. We thank our 2016 Officers and Board for their service.
2016 Officers & Board:
David McMurry- President Ron Smith– President Elect
Cathy Hoormann Vice President Ray Tate – Treasurer
Peggy Shoaf – Secretary Karen Ramsey– Past President
Nathan Massey – ECD, Ex Officio Freda Evans David Pitzer
Sgt. James Vivrette Mark Cain
Maggie Martin Richard Schultz Tara Bessling Ricky Perry Kathy Sager
Phil Ryan
Please plan to attend the Banquet on January 19th so we can welcome our new officers and say thank you to the exiting board members.
Cost for the banquet is $30.00 per person. Please call the
Chamber office at 865-5400 or CLICK HERE to make your
reservations!
Our 2016 MRACC Board of Directors
SHINING FUTURES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DINNER Saturday, December 3 6:30 pm Goodpasture Christian School
TREE OF MEMORIES/SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Sunday, December 4 2:00 pm Cole & Garrett/ Goodlettsville
127 Main St.
GOODPASTURE CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAY Monday, December 5 7:00 pm
Goodpasture Christian Fine Arts Center
WOMEN IN BUSINESS Tuesday, December 6 Noon
Sidekicks Café
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE Thursday, December 8 6:00 pm
Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Wednesday, December 7 5:30 pm
Madison Library Lawn
CHAMBER CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST BRING TOYS!!
Thursday, December 8 7:30 am St. Joseph Parish Life Center
GRACE MANOR PARADE OF WREATHS & SILENT AUCTION
Thursday, December 8 6-8 pm 1420 Old Hickory Blvd. 37207
SANTA’S WORKSHOP Saturday, December 10 11 am-2 pm Amqui Station & Visitor’s Center
C. DAVID PITZER OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, December 13 11 am-1 pm 118 Two Mile Parkway Goodlettsville
FIRSTBANK OPEN HOUSE Friday, December 16 11am-2 pm 885 Conference Dr. Goodlettsville
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE Friday, December 16 2-7pm RiverGate Mall Sears Court
CHAMBER CLOSED December 23, 26, 27
ANNUAL BANQUET Thursday, January 19 6:00 pm
TO BE ANNOUNCED
Women in Business
Ends Year With a Bang! Our Women in Business took six graduates from Begin Anew shopping at Dillard’s the last week in November for their “Dress for Success” program. We give our deep appreciation to Dillard’s for both their discount and their great customer service! If any of you need some dedicated employees, these ladies from Begin Anew will be graduat-ing on December 10th!
Monthly Meeting Tuesday, December 6 Noon All ladies are invited to cele-brate the season with our annual Christmas Party. Please note we are meeting a SPECIAL LOCATION—Cathy Hoormann’s new restaurant, Sidekicks Café, located at 1202 S. Graycroft Ave. in Madison. We'll have an Ornament Ex-change so please bring a $5.00 ornament to exchange for "White Elephant".
Cookie Sale Thursday, December 8
The WIB ladies will be selling Christmas cookies the morn-ing of the Chamber Christmas Breakfast, so come with your cash ready to buy some cookies to support a great cause!! Ladies, please bring your homemade goodies that morning or to the Chamber the day before!
Visit with Santa at
RiverGate Mall! Located in the Center Court
Monday-Saturday - 10:00am-1:00pm;
2:00-5:00pm; 6:00-9:00pm
Sunday - 12 noon-3:00pm;
4:00-6:00pm
Volunteer Santa— Vols fans see Santa dressed in
his “Big Orange” Suit! December 1 6:00-9:00 pm
Commodore Santa— Vandy fans see Santa dressed
in his Black & Gold Suit! December 8
6:00-9:00 pm