Meet the Member...Kathy Hall, Maricopa Monitor
Posted on Feb 04 2008 at 3:27 PM
Chamber News >>

Appreciating the Chamber

By KATHY L. HALL

Editor of the Maricopa Monitor

When Terri reminded me the other day that the Monitor had been a member of the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce since 2003, and asked if I’d like to do a piece for the newsletter, I was pleasantly surprised on both counts.

Of course, I wasn’t around when the Monitor signed up since I’ve only been on-board since Sept. 2006, so I didn’t realize how long term the relationship had been.

Being asked to contribute to the newsletter was also an unexpected and welcome invitation. I am proud that the Monitor is a member of an organization that, under Kingery’s leadership, has done so much good for the business community of Maricopa.

The Chamber has also done a lot of good for the citizens as well. Besides supporting members that are building businesses in town, Kingery and the Chamber Board can often be found participating in events and with organizations that benefit the whole.

When FOR Maricopa was looking for a place to put together Christmas baskets for needy families, the Chamber offered the back rooms (and hallways) of their offices.

When it was discovered that Herb Bailey was spending his own money to send packages to our soldiers serving overseas, the Chamber stepped forward to assist Bailey’s Boxes, offering to be a point of collection for both monies and other contributions.

The Chamber partnered with environmentalist Gina D’Abella in sponsoring an e-recyling event, which while it raised money for the Chamber, created environmental awareness as well.

The Chamber has sponsored youth sports, football and soccer teams.

At every community event you can find the Chamber, not only in a booth promoting itself, but volunteering to help in various ways with Stagecoach Days, Founder’s Day and the Salsa Festival to name a few.

The Chamber was the first organization of which I’m aware to honor volunteerism in Maricopa, creating the Renata Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year award.

So, besides performing the task of being a cheerleader for business in Maricopa, Kingery and the Chamber offer so much more. I am so glad to be associated with the organization that has done so much for Maricopa.