The Dumas Chamber of Commerce President Linda Weatherford presented a program to update the goals for the chamber Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Weatherford asked chamber members to workshop the goals of the Chamber of Commerce t needs to be changed. The goals were last updated in 2015
The mission of the Dumas Chamber of Commerce, Inc is organized for the purpose of promoting and advancing the commercial, industrial, and civic life of the City of Dumas and its surrounding trade area. She described the trade area as all of Southeast Arkansas and the internet.
She asked members why they were a member of the chamber; why do they actively participate, and what more do you want from your membership. The chamber noted the goals that needed to be changed by removing outdated organizations, up-dating education resources, identifying industry specific occupations, access to high speed internet, and promoting technology and careers in high school.
Chamber members worked in small groups to discuss each goal and later joined together into two groups for further discussion to share ideas.
Standing Committee reports:
Dumas School District Superintendent reported on the school's renovation of their sports field. The school will be making a few changes after the passing of the new school bill revising the salary schedule for teachers to rise to $50,000. The school will have to look at their budget for sustainability, and they will not be awarding funds until next year. They are still continuing their tutoring services available to students.
The UAM College of Technology Dorissa Kaufman reported that the school year is going well and they are offering community classes like computer classes and a car safety class for teenagers in McGehee. The available course can be viewed on the UAM college of Technology Facebook page.
Main Street Dumas Reported that on March 1 Suzy Norris resigned her position as executive director. The position is now open and the board is accepting applications. The Dumas Area Arts Center's kitchen is currently being installed. The center is still available for rent.
City of Dumas Mayor Price Boney, Sr. reported they are still cleaning up limbs. During the month of April, they will have five Wednesdays for spring clean up.
Community Concerns
Delta Health Services Dr. Christine Platter, the new Clinic director, reported that from January 1 through February 28 they have seen 2, 415 patients and they expect that number to grow. The licensed clinical social worker is ready to accept patients. They have passed the initial trial phase of the NS100 Neuro Stimulation Therapy and they are working to identify patients that qualify for that therapy. The hope is to help patients with Diabetic Nephropathy and to limit that pain without the use of medication.
Lisa Hutchinson with the Desha County Collectors Office reported that the 2022 tax statements have been mailed and they are due March 1, but payments can be made until October 16, 2023.
DePaul Community Health Services Lisa Goodgame reported that the Wellness Center has new flooring with top of the line equipment. Dr. Caroline May is available Tuesday and Wednesdays for Women's health in the Gould clinic. The clinic also provides a Get Control program for people to learn how to lower their blood pressure. They are promoting Colon Cancer Awareness Month and that early detection is critical.
Connect Bank hosted the lunch for the meeting.
