While we are excited to welcome the New Year and embrace new resolutions, we can’t help but feel the need to reflect on the year we’ve left behind. 2019 was a year of growth for the Greater Watertown – North Country Chamber of Commerce. In 2019 we welcomed 49 New Members, introduced two brand new events, enhanced our annual business expo and more!
We began 2019 by launching our email newsletter. Since then, the newsletter has served as a monthly communication to our members and community’s investors. Each month we curate a newsletter with content created specifically for our members. The newsletter also includes upcoming events and a list of new members that have joined. Over the year, our email newsletter received both positive feedback and increased engagement.
In February we introduced a new networking event. Coffee & Connections: A Networking Experience, was an immediate sensation. Coffee & Connections gives North Country professionals an opportunity to meet in the morning over coffee and start their day with meaningful connections. The networking experience is enhanced by our Professional Speed Networking format. We are proud to share that this opportunity will continue in 2020 and beginning in February will be offered quarterly.
Then, in the Fall we hosted our annual North Country Business Expo at Business After Hours. This annual event augments our monthly networking opportunity in several ways. In addition to our traditional Business After Hours, our annual expo also includes a business showcase, a professional speed networking segment, and – new this year – breakout sessions on popular topics delivered by field experts. Together, these various features offer professionals the opportunity to engage, network, learn, and showcase their services.
Our year of growth continued with the launch of the Merry Market, a pop-up style, holiday shopping experience. The inaugural event featured boutique-style vendors, one-of-a-kind crafters, local artisans and more. Our talented vendors showcased home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories, gourmet food & drinks.
Oh, and did we mention we launched a new website? That’s right! At the end of December, we launched a new website! As it is true with any website, it is a breathing entity that will grow and change as we do. Check it out!
In 2019 we delivered the North Country Professional community, twenty weeks of the Watertown Farm and Craft Market, sixteen Networking Opportunities, the Economic Forecast 2019, three award presentations, two workforce development events, the Armed Forces Day Luncheon, and a nine-month-long leadership professional program!
With so much excitement and opportunity surrounding 2020, it can be easy to let the successes of 2019 pass us by without proper recognition. We hope you take the time to reflect on your own noteworthy moments.