The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce has been headquartered at Jackie’s Flowers and Gifts in the old Superior School for several years now as Jackie Callison is the owner of the establishment as well as the president of the MCCOC.

Callison is fired up to bring the chamber back up in membership, community involvement and function as the business advocate in the county.

The election will be a ballot emailed to as many past businesses as well as individuals who were members and/or helpful volunteers that the contact information remains current.

At this time, Callison is running unopposed for the presidents’ position. Michele Van Tassel, owner of Whipped Up, is campaigning for the vice president position which is also unopposed.

For secretary, the position is open as this is also an elected office but may need to be appointed if no one registers to run.

For treasurer, Roni Haskins, Haskins PC, has held this rank for many years and is running unopposed. The bylaws state the election must be held every December so be on the lookout for the ballot in your email.

If you are new to the area and would like to vote, email your request for a ballot to: monteturner54@gmail.com or call 406-370-4335. This contact information is also if you care to nominate someone for a position or any questions in general. Normally, the voting process is for paid members but since the chamber is rebuilding and recruiting for businesses and individuals to roll up their sleeves and help, the voting is open to anyone in Mineral County.

The Election Committee under Article V – Elections and Tenure is comprised of George and Anita Bailey, and Monte and Loie Turner. Each person on the Election Committee has held the position of MCCOC president for at least 1 year. The deadline for ballot returns is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9.

In a nutshell, the chamber organizes events to bring people into our entire community for the benefit of our businesses and pride among our citizens.

They will work in tandem with the Mineral County Economic Development Corporation to create job growth and commerce development.

The chamber will have a presence from Saltese to Alberton in as many functions they are aware of and help current businesses with suggestions and networking on employment issues, staffing and legal challenges they may face.

Working and building relationships among the business community and supporting good-will is the main-stay of a chamber of commerce. New ideas and new blood with a commitment to volunteer to ‘right this ship’ are needed.