The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to helping both new and established members grow their businesses through professional development opportunities. Our training programs foster increased productivity, greater commitment and higher levels of success. The Chamber also brings accomplished regional and national speakers to the region so that members can benefit from their expertise – providing a valuable learning experience without an extended time commitment or expensive travel.
Participating in the Chamber’s professional development opportunities can save you from “reinventing the wheel” by connecting you to leading business professionals. Further, a membership to the Chamber exposes you and your business to regularly scheduled networking meetings, where you can meet and learn from seasoned professionals. You can also take advantage of our educational seminars. Still, the Chamber offers you excellent opportunities to take part in the development of our future community leaders through a partnership with Hardin County Schools’ Work Ethic Certification program and the Chamber’s Youth Leadership Program. Contact us for more information on the opportunities described below.
Leadership Hardin County
The Leadership program is a great way to help broaden the base of local leaders, while enhancing awareness of local issues and increasing understanding of different perspectives. By providing a means for broadened citizen involvement in solving our challenges, the Chamber helps both the community and its members.
Leadership Alumni
Leadership Alumni is a group of civic-minded Leadership graduates who continue to work to advance Hardin County through a number of projects and initiatives. The program provides continued opportunities to network, deepen your understanding of local issues and further develop as a community leader.
Hardin County Young Professionals
Hardin County Young Professionals provides networking and development opportunities especially for early- to mid-career members.
Chamber Councils
Opportunities are often available to members who wish to serve on a Chamber Council. Each Council helps guide the Chamber’s programming and activities to promote and improve the business and civic climates of Hardin County. Any member in good standing is eligible for membership in one or more Chamber Councils. And as a member of one of the Councils you have the opportunity to expand your network of fellow business people, stay on top of local business events and issues, increase leadership skills through participation, and positively impact your community.
Chamber Ambassador Program
An Ambassador is an official representative of the Chamber of Commerce, a front-line volunteer. Ambassadors attend ribbon cutting events, networking lunches and breakfasts, and other Chamber functions throughout the year. Serving as an Ambassador allows you to become more involved in your business community, resulting in increased networking opportunity, enhanced visibility of your business or organization, and greater opportunities to market and promote your products and services. Additionally, Chamber Ambassadors gain valuable experience, while developing professional skills through making new contacts, strengthening business relationships and accessing resources that will help further their own success.
Business at Breakfast
Members enjoy breakfast with their peers and an opportunity to hear from local experts regarding topics of interest to business growth and development. Through shared experiences and the exchange of ideas, participating members come away with tactics they can put to work in their own business.
Work Ethic Certification
We all know employees with professional manners who are reliable and loyal can be difficult to find. That’s why the Chamber partnered with Hardin County Schools on the district’s Work Ethic Certification. The program has evolved to provide Lead 100, a trimester class, to high school seniors, while the curriculum is embedded in the coursework of all students at the district’s new Early College and Career Center. Students cover everything from resume writing and workplace protocol to leadership and entrepreneurship in the class. Students who then have successful interviews with a panel of school personnel and members of the business community earn the certification. Also, Junior Achievement curriculum, taught by volunteers, gives eighth-graders earlier exposure to the importance of work ethic. Chamber members have a great opportunity to help develop these students, our future job applicants. Teaching the Junior Achievement curriculum, mentoring a high school student, visiting a classroom to talk about leadership and opening your business for a student tour are all ways you can take part in preparing students and developing a stronger talent pool from which our business community will recruit.
Youth Leadership Hardin County
The Youth Leadership program is another avenue for helping area teens build leadership skills. The program gives carefully selected high school juniors who show leadership potential an opportunity to learn about their community and local issues from local leaders.
