In 2015, the Richmond Chamber launched a new lunch series called the C.A.R.E Luncheon Series. The C.A.R.E. Series focuses on helping educate the community about interesting topics in which some of our chamber members are experts. C.A.R.E. stands for Community, Advocacy, Resources and Education. The Membership Committee oversees this series and organizes an activity each month, typically a luncheon, with a different topic geared toward one of these four aspects. The luncheon series is open to anyone in the community to attend, and lunch is always provided for $5 per attendee.
Over the past three years, the C.A.R.E. Series has been full of great information from experts in our chamber membership. We have learned about cyber-crime issues, tips for connecting with your employees and the importance of being prepared for emergencies just to name a few. Each luncheon and speaker helps to educate the community on topics that they may not think about on a daily basis, but can be so important to their business goals and to their personal future planning as well.
Along with a great presentation, the C.A.R.E. luncheons also provide an opportunity for local restaurants, caterers or other food businesses to showcase their products. The chamber pairs a food business with the presenting businesses to provide a truly great experience for all C.A.R.E. attendees. Many of the luncheons had upwards of 35-40 people which was monumental for several of our food sponsors.
In 2016, proceeds from this program were given back to the community in the way of donations to non-profits and by an activity at Christmas which provided lap blankets to the residents of a local nursing home.
In 2017, the Richmond Chamber Scholarship Program was established and funded by this series to recognize one graduating senior from Model Laboratory High School and one graduating senior from Madison Central High School who plan to continue their studies at one of Kentucky’s higher education institutions (technical/trade school, community college, college or university).
The Richmond Chamber plans for the 2018 CARE series to be even better than the last three years. With ideas of presentations on the Leadership Madison County Program, bullying and social media, organ donation program and more, it is sure to be a great year of learning for our community. The Richmond Chamber staff is very proud of this series and looks forward to how it will grow in 2018.
