I recently helped set up public meetings that were important messages for the Monroe community. One was held by the City of Monroe to discuss the proposed zoning ordinance changes. The other was held at the Monroe Public Library by Bug Tussel Wireless to discuss the new rural wireless internet provider that will soon serve Green County. 

Both meetings, I felt, were very informative. These topics affect everyone in our area. 

I feel I am empathetic toward the planning of any type of event like these. I understand what goes into coordinating an event and making sure the word gets out about the meetings. 

One of the goals of the Chamber of Commerce is to inform people. Not just our membership, but the community as well. I made sure I shared the information about these most recent events a few times on Facebook, in our monthly newsletter and in our weekly Chamber Chats. I even gave a mention of it on the “To the Point” segment we record every month on WEKZ. 

But when I showed up to the open house to learn more about the city zoning code change, I must say I was a bit surprised to find out I was the sole non-city employee or council member in attendance. It was a busy night in June but I thought I would see at least one other person there to learn about the new zoning project. I know, It’s not a flashy subject. But it’s important. 

The following week, while at the Bug Tussel meeting, I was pleased to see a few more people. However, with a topic like bringing high-speed internet to the rural parts of Green County, I was hoping to see a packed house. 

During the presentation, a question was asked about the short notice and perceived lack of advertising of the event. With all fairness, the meeting was set up under a tight deadline and we did everything we felt could be done to reach Green County residents within a short time frame. The lovely couple in attendance said they saw the information in the local newspaper, the Monroe Times, but nowhere else. 

I mentioned the strategy used to advertise the event. The Chamber of Commerce put in on their Facebook Page, shared it on the website and put it in our Chamber Chats.

A very honest response to my information was “Why would I go to the Chamber of Commerce for information? I am not a Chamber member.” 

This was a reality check for me. The primary function of any Chamber of Commerce is to promote the business community. We accomplish this in a variety of ways. Social media being one of the most frequently accessed resources for information in our culture today, the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page shares as much information with our followers as we possibly can. Our chamber member businesses and organizations post events, career opportunities, fundraising opportunities, educational classes and information that directly affects the residents of Monroe. 

I know tourists and visitors use our resources; we field questions on a daily basis. I encourage our local residents to reach out to us as well as utilizing local resources like the Times. 

Our website is full of information that affects everyone. I know each community-oriented organization tries its best to reach people “where they are,” and the Chamber of Commerce is no different. We are an extension of their efforts and want the public to know what is happening. 

So here is my shameless plug. I encourage anyone looking for another resource of information to “Like” the Chamber on Facebook, check out our website or sign up for our monthly newsletter and our weekly Chamber Chat. If you are an employee of a Chamber of Commerce member business, you are a chamber member. We are doing everything we can to keep you informed. We have regular office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. We welcome anyone to stop by or call us at 608-325-7648. Information sharing is important to us. We hope we are reaching you. 

Have a great day!

— Melissa Even is the executive director of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.