Membership drive begins

Haxtun residents and businesses will see chamber membership letters in the mail soon. The Haxtun Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the 2023 membership drive and with that comes plans to recognize those who make an impact on the local community in an awards ceremony at the annual banquet in April. Nominations for awards is happening now, the deadline to nominate outstanding businessmen, women, employees and volunteers is March 10.

Jessica Ayala, Haxtun Chamber of Commerce Director, said she is currently working to launch a new software system, Growthzone, that will not only help track membership, but will also include a user friendly Chamber website.

“The website will give all members the opportunity to have their businesses listed on the business directory and the ability to advertise in the Haxtun Chamber monthly newsletter,” she said. “I will also be able to communicate with all member at once for Haxtun Chamber updates.”

Ayala said as much as she is looking forward to getting started with the new system, implementation will be several more weeks as she continues to complete training. In the meantime, the Chamber plans to distribute 2023 membership and upcoming meeting information via mail.

“Membership renewal information packets will be mailed hopefully in the next week,” she said. “I am very excited to get involved with all Chamber members. It is going to be a great 2023.”

The Haxtun Chamber of Commerce plans to host the first 2023 membership meeting on Thursday, March 23 at noon at the community center. Lunch will be available but RSVPs are requested by Friday, March 17. Contact Ayala at (970) 466-5540 or at [email protected] to RSVP.

Also coming up is the annual banquet and awards night set for Monday, April 17 also at the Haxtun Community Center. The Chamber is currently accepting nominations for awards to be presented at the meeting for those out stood out in the community in 2022.

Award categories include Employee of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Employee Group of the Year, Fix-Up/Paint-Up, Golden Star, Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Group of the Year and Youth of the Year. Nominations should be sent to Ayala at [email protected] by March 10.

Ayala also recently announced a new program in conjunction with Haxtun Schools to help this year’s senior class recognize staff members who have made an impact on their education. To do so, the Chamber is seeking sponsorships.

“With sponsorships, each student will be able to give their special staff member a personalized gift,” Ayala said. “These students will be able to choose any staff member of Haxtun Schools, from their time in preschool all the way up through high school, as someone who has been an important part of their story.”

Ayala said she is working with Vine Print Studios to make the program a success. “I am I hopes that we can make this an annual event.”

For more information on the senior class project or any other Chamber happenings, contact Ayala at (970) 466-5540.