NEW YORK: Two weeks ago, the organization held a kickoff event as a way to introduce the chamber’s board members to local residents and business owners. The event also doubled as a membership drive. Turnout was strong, the chamber’s executive director Molly Loden said, and memberships have been rolling in since then.
“It’s satisfying because it’s been pretty steady,” Loden said. “It wasn’t just that initial boom and then a drop off. I think if we can keep growing steadily, it will be really good for us.”
So far, the chamber has added 25 members.
“It’s been a good group of businesses and individuals – community members – wanting to join,” Loden said. “It’s been a very good response so far.”
At this point, most of Loden’s job has been attending ribbon cuttings, meeting with local businesses and planning. She’s still getting to know the ropes and learning what the people of Fulton, business owners and individuals, want their chamber to accomplish.
When asked what people seem to be looking for in new businesses, Loden said most want more eateries and nightlife. Both she and ICDC Business Development Director Vaunita Martin will be working together to bring some familiar, chain restaurants to the area. That’s on her radar, she said, and is definitely doable. But big restaurants require grease, the kind that goes on the elbows.
