Chamber Begins New Year With Great Turnout At Monthly Meeting
Engagement!… New President Brent Brown addresses the gathering at the Holden Area Chamber Of Commerce’s first meeting of the year. Brown told the audience the word “ENGAGEMENT” will signify the organization’s approach to its efforts in 2026. Photo • John Roberts
The Holden Area Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a great turnout when it met for the first time in 2026.
Held at Key Coffee last Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m., approximately 30 business men and women and community supporters turned out to hear about Chamber activities and welcome new President, Brent Brown, who succeeds outgoing President, Teresa McCulloch.
Programs
Highlighting the meeting were two programs.
The first was presented by Jamie DeBacker, Executive Director, Main Street, Warrensburg on the “Dos & Dont’s Of Social Media For Small Businesses and Non-Profits.”
In it, DeBaker provided helpful information about effectively navigating Facebook and other media platforms for the most effective results.
That was followed by a brief program and handouts on upcoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) opportunities. That was conducted by Johnson County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Tracy Brantner.
Included was an information sheet with times and dates for various seminars helpful to small business owners.
Reports
Following were reports from various committee representatives. Those were highlighted by:
– Holden Mayor Ray Briscoe, recapping major developments in the city during 2025;
– R-III Communications Director, Bekki Currier, giving updates on the school district;
– Chris Lake, former R-III Middle School Principal, providing information about the Work Base Learning Program; and
– HAMA representative, Tamera Mortenson, encouraging businesses and individuals to help provide canned goods or offer a monetary donation for the food pantry. One of the ongoing efforts would be in concert with the annual “Souper Bowl” contest – a friendly competition among local churches to gather the most soup and other canned goods.
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