The Stanley Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off the new year in style with their 1st Annual Winter Social at Debbie’s on Broadway. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm for Chamber members and invited guests. Hors d’oeuvres made at Debbie’s will be served during the cocktail hour. Guest speakers will be imparting their knowledge for business owners in our area and how grants and loans can be used for the greatest impact. Guest speakers include, Charlie Walker, President and CEO of Chippewa Economic Development and Tobi LeMahieu, Funds Manager with WCWRPC, who will be shedding light on grant and funding options for local businesses through their respective programs.

The Stanley Area Chamber of Commerce was reestablished in 2020 with Chamber President Ron Haas’ goal to make it worthwhile for businesses to be involved and to see that it is beneficial.

“For me, it was trying to help businesses that are in town already, trying to stay afloat and keep them going, and to bring new businesses in. If you’re not growing, you’re dying”, says Haas.

Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month with the current fourteen members, where they partner together to build and support the local community.

Connection is key and Vice President Lacey Granger says, “As a board we are striving to be a resource for our local businesses. Bringing our knowledge and utilizing the connections we each have to educate and assist with growth.”

The purpose of the Stanley Area Chamber of Commerce is to be a resource that local business owners can use to enhance their own companies, consequently attracting other businesses to the town. Nicole Witt, Marketing and Event Coordinator says her expectation is the Stanley Chamber is “a resource they can rely on.” While the Stanley Area Chamber of Commerce has hosted various valuable events throughout the past few years, the Winter Social is set to be an annual event. The ultimate goal is to raise awareness of what the Chamber is and what they hope to accomplish in the upcoming year, while also highlighting some changes that will be coming within the next few months. They anticipate making those face to face connections and becoming more apparent to the community. Local business owners can RSVP for the Winter Social on the Chamber’s website at stanleychamber.us.

For more information on the Stanley Area Chamber of Commerce and how to become a member, visit them at stanleychamber. us or follow them on Facebook.