The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce held its first meeting of the new year Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the chamber office, marking the first official meeting led by new Executive Director Tim Turner.

Turner, who also serves as a state representative, emphasized organization, consistency and member involvement as key priorities moving forward. He encouraged chamber members and board members to share ideas and feedback as the organization works to strengthen its role in the community.

“Whether I’m at the Capitol during the week or here on Fridays and throughout the summer, my focus is the same — building positive growth and making sure this remains a people’s chamber that works for its members,” said Tim Turner, Executive Director One of the major themes discussed was the importance of setting consistent dates for annual community events. Turner said locking events into the same weekend each year would help businesses, organizers and visitors plan ahead and improve promotion efforts.

“If we can say an event will always be the second weekend of July, every year, that helps everyone,” Turner said. “It helps with advertising, it helps with planning, and it helps the community know what to expect.”

“Tim brings new energy and a strong sense of direction,” Hunn said. “We’re focused on communication, consistency, and giving our members the tools they need to grow with us.”

The chamber discussed upcoming events including Whole Hawg Days and the Eufaula Community Rodeo, with board members agreeing that earlier planning and scheduling would help increase participation.

Turner encouraged involvement from the community. “To build a better chamber takes involvement from all of our members, not just our board, not just the staff, but from all of us as a group,” Turner said. The chamber is also working to align membership renewal dates and develop a comprehensive sponsorship book outlining all chamber events for the year. The goal, Turner said, is to allow businesses to plan their sponsorships well in advance rather than being approached shortly before events.

“We want our members to know what events we have planned and where they want to be involved,” he said. “More than sponsorships, we want involvement. This chamber belongs to its members.”

Board members discussed efforts already underway for major events such as Whole Hawg Days and the community rodeo, with the goal of having planning and sponsorship materials finalized well ahead of summer.

The meeting also included discussion about better educating frontline employees, such as restaurant servers and retail workers, about local events so they can better promote Eufaula to visitors.

Turner said his focus is on rebuilding momentum, improving communication and ensuring the chamber is visible, organized and member driven.

“We want people to see that we are moving in the right direction.”

The chamber plans to hold meetings on the third Friday of each month moving forward.