Economic Development ~ To coordinate the Chamber’s Annual Shop Ridgeland First!
pre-holiday shopping extravaganza held Saturday, Oct. 23 – Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 and to
monitor legislation which pertains to businesses and economic development.
Chair:

Community Development ~ To coordinate and plan the Chamber’s Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010 at Highland’s Presbyterian Church.
Chair: Jeff Eads, The Blake at Township

Diplomat Council ~ Represents the Chamber as liaisons to the business community. Attends ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, grand openings, Business After Hours and other Chamber events. Assists with the Chamber’s New Member Reception. Contacts prospective members and participates in the Chamber’s recruitment and retention program. Serves as the Chamber’s goodwill ambassadors.
Co-captains: Carla Palmer Allen, CPA Realty, LLC and Cheryl Mitchell, CenterPoint Energy

Junior Diplomat Council ~ Designed to develop the potential of our future community and state leaders, the Junior Diplomat Program takes 11th and 12th grade students on a journey where youth can learn to make a difference in their community. This year 32 students representing Ridgeland High School; Madison Ridgeland Academy; St. Andrew’s Episcopal School; Jackson Academy; Jackson Prep and St. Joseph Catholic School participate in the Junior Diplomat Program.
Co-captains: Timothy Crook, St. Andrews Episcopal School and Kristen Ellis, Ridgeland High School.
Co-advisors: Cheryl Mitchell, CenterPoint Energy and Jim Lowery, Pear Orchard Business Center

Make a Difference Day
Saturday, October 30, 2010 is Make A Difference Day. Committee members will select a Ridgeland project which addresses a specific need. Past Make A Difference Day projects have included: painting fire hydrants; the playground at Sunnybrook Children’s Home; raising money for the library at Ridgeland High School; restoring homes of elderly long-time Ridgeland residents and assisting in storm debris clean-up on the 1.6 mile nature/walking trail at the Laurel Sportsplex which was full of downed trees and tangled brush left by Hurricane Katrina and landscaping the grounds of the Family Support Center and making 650 fruit baskets for senior residents living in Ridgeland and Madison retirement and assistant living facilities; raising money for the Nicole Marquez Medical Fund through a bake sale and soliciting non-perishable food items and canned goods for Our Daily Bread Ministries in Canton and raising money for a lift for Hope Hollow, a camp in Madison County for special needs children and young adults. 
Chair: Robby Carr, Regions Bank

Great Links Golf Tournament
To plan the Chamber’s annual golf tournament Thursday, June 17 at Caroline Golf Club which provides members an opportunity to network and have a day of fun. The June Business After Hours will follow the tournament.
Co-chairs: Marty McCullough, BancorpSouth and Alan Chester, Ridgeland Computer Repair

Denim & Diamonds
To plan a ‘ladies night out’ featuring a fashion show and silent auction, Thursday, September 23, 2010 at the Jackson Country Club.
Chair: Carla Palmer Allen, CPA Realty, LLC

Annual Banquet
To plan the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet honoring Chamber volunteers for their contributions to the Chamber and City. The banquet will be held at the Hilton Jackson on January 24, 2011. 
Chair: