Purpose: To establish communications between the business community and the rural agricultural community, and to increase education and promote interest and understanding of the agricultural community. The Ag committee meets the 2nd friday of every month at 12 Noon. Chair of the Ag Committee is Jerry Cope of the SD Wheat Growers. The Ag Committee facilitates the following annual events:

Ag Appreciation Banquet: This banquet is held each November to show appreciation for area farmers.

Value-Added Ag Conference: This conference is held in conjunction with the Ag banquet to educate farmers on new developments in value-added agriculture products and services.

Ag Fair: Each year in March, the Ag Committee sponsors the Ag Fair for area fourth graders. The fair is designed to educate students on farm products, livestock, farm safety and more.

Northern Plains Livestock Day: Held each June, Northern Plains Livestock Day features several different activities and livestock events for young showmen.

Consumer Breakfast: The consumer breakfast is held during the Brown Co. Fair to show appreciation to fair-goers.

Purpose: To be the public relations arm of the Chamber at all ribbon cuttings, new business openings, ground breakings, and business relocation's (Committee selection on a nomination basis). The Ambassadors meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:00 Noon.

Purpose: To implement projects that partner the business community and educational institutions together to foster cooperation and interaction between business and education to ensure needs are being met. The Business/Education committee meets the 4th Wednesday of every month from September through May at 4:00 p.m. at the Chamber. The Workforce & Education committee sponsors the following events:

Bridges Program: The committee is excited to announce this new program. The Bridges program will directly link students to businesses in the Aberdeen area. It is a three-fold program that involves education and awareness to businesses. guidance and definition to students via Deans and Professors, and a common website for connecting student talents with business needs. End result: Internships, mentorships, shadowing and retention.

Job Fair: Sponsored with SD Job Service, this career fair is held each April with emphasis on summer and part-time job opportunities in the area.

Career Fair: This annual event brings sophomores from area schools together with individuals of various occupations. The presenters share with the students descriptions of their professionals, requirements, rewards, etc.

ATTENTION TEACHERS!
The Workforce and Education Commitee of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of business people willing to visit with your students about their careers. For instance, if you have a student wavering between mechanics or manufacturing careers, he or she could visit with a business person in that field. Click here to download the resource directory.

Purpose: To strengthen membership by recruiting new members, visiting current members, and implementing retention strategies (committee selection is on a nomination basis). The Diplomat Committee meets the 2nd Thursday of every month at 3:30 p.m. at various locations in the Aberdeen area.

Purpose: To strengthen communication between the community and government entities; and serve as the catalyst for forums, panels, town meetings, etc. The Government Affairs committee meets the 1st Thursday of every month from September through May at 12 Noon at the Ramada.

Cracker Barrel Sessions: Sessions which are held to provide the community with access to legislators to answer legislative and community issues.

Aberdeen Day at the Legislature: This event is held each February during the SD Legislature. Aberdeen community members' board buses to Pierre to view the legislative process.

Pre-Legislative Luncheon: This luncheon provides a kick-off for the legislative session. Chamber members have the opportunity to meet with local and state legislators.

Purpose: To deliver effective advertising and publicity for community retail promotions, community image and special events on behalf of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce and the community. The full marketing committee meets quarterly at 12 Noon at the Ramkota. Subcommittees meet as needed. Marketing subcommittees are: Media Buyers, Campaign Development, Creative Publicity, Marketing Grant, Executive Marketing, Special Events and Internet.

Santa Train: Held each year in cooperation with the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway. The train brings Santa and elves to Aberdeen to hand out goodies to good little girls and boys. Santa stops at the Lakewood Mall or downtown.

Purpose: To strengthen membership by recruiting new members, visiting current members, and implementing retention strategies (Committee selection is on a nomination basis). The Healthcare Committee meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Through participation in the Chamber, each of us can help mold the future of Aberdeen, make vision a reality, and improve the community in which we live.
• You have the unique opportunity to become involved in the only organization in Aberdeen that represents your viewpoint as a voice for business.
• Involved members build a stronger organization, gain satisfaction from seeing results and make new business contacts and friends.
• Volunteers are the backbone of the Chamber. Volunteers lend time, talent and expertise to support the well-being of the area.
• VOLUNTEER TODAY BY FILLING OUT AND SUBMITTING THIS FORM!