CHAMBER MEMBERS STRIVE TO
IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE
T
he Laurinburg/Scotland County
Area Chamber of Commerce theme
for 2020 is “The Future is Now,”
and now is the time for continued growth
in the Scotland County Area. We have
seen positive growth in new businesses
and expansions in recent years and the
Chamber is promoting Scotland County as
a positive environment for economic and
community development. We work closely
with our members and partners to create an
environment for progress.
The Chamber has more than 300 members
and each member can count on the
Chamber as a source of information,
networking and advocacy. Our members
make a financial commitment to the
community and work together to improve
not only business in Scotland County, but
the quality of life for all residents and the
service area.
The Chamber is always available to assist
in many ways and represents its member
businesses and works with various
organizations to make the business
community stronger and local communities
more vibrant. A strong community attracts
potential employers and employees, and
makes the quality of life better for everyone.
The Chamber serves the community by
contributing to community development,
quality of life, and the economic
development of our area. This happens
through the various programs, committees,
activities and events sponsored by the
Chamber and our valued members. Our
Government Affairs Committee hosts
annual events like the Legislative Breakfast
with our state representatives and senator,
the State of the Community and State of
Education events are held for the benefit
of our citizens so that they have an open
opportunity to be informed on current
issues affecting our area. We advocate for
our members by translating State & Federal
issues into a local perspective and offers the
chance to be notified of town, city, county,
state and national events. This committee
also organizes local candidates forums in
the spring and fall to allow voters to meet
and ask questions of candidates.
The Leadership Scotland program
16 • PROGRESS 2020
Service Thread CEO and 2019 Chairman Jay Todd and Scotland County Schools’ Amy
Sloop welcome newcomers Mike Meservy and Jeremy Mann of Chick-fil-A to the Laurinburg
Machine & Equipment Company Chamber on the Half Shell Oyster Roast.
introduces future community leaders
to the history, industries, non-prof-its,
health care and uniqueness of Scotland
County. This is one of the best relationship
building opportuni-ties for professionals
that wish to make a local impact and
become more community centered. The
Young Professionals Network or “YPN” is
a professional development/networking
organization for 21-40 year olds and is
an excellent way for younger residents to
meet, build relationships and learn about
our area. The YPN mission is to foster
the engagement and retention of young
professionals and to encourage them to
make meaningful contributions to the future
of Scotland County through the cultivation
of a united network.
The Chamber’s Quality of Life of Scotland
County initiatives can be seen through
its activities and commit-tees such as the
promotion of the Governor’s Awards for
volunteerism, and the Highlander Awards
for beautification. These awards promote
pride, respect, and a spirit of cooperation
for residents throughout the county.
The Chamber’s Green Team focuses on
educating citizens about litter, recycling
and beautification through programs such
as the Litter Sweep and Green School
Jam. Have you been to the “Laurinburg
After Five” concert series from April to
August or the “Chamber on the Half
Shell” Oyster Roast the second Saturday
in November? These anticipated annual
community events bring people together
from all walks of life to enjoy a great time
together. These are popular events and we
encourage community input on how to
continue to improve them. Don’t forget the
fun and family-friendly annual Laurinburg
Christmas Parade on the first Saturday in
December. We strive to make the Christmas
Parade bigger and better each year.
The Laurinburg/Scotland County Area
Chamber of Commerce is working
conjunctively with our partners to ensure
Laurinburg and Scotland County will
continue to prosper in many years to come
and we realize that the best way to predict
the future is to create it. Please consider
becoming a member of the Chamber.
If you have any questions or concerns, be
sure to contact the Chamber office at 910-
276-7420 or for information on members,
committees, or community events visit our
website laurinburgchamber.com.