The united voice for business in Simpson County since 1937.

201 S. Main St. Franklin KY 270.586.7609

Welcome to Franklin Kentucky - As the region's largest business advocacy organization, the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce represents over 350 companies in a service area that includes Simpson county's nearly 17,000 population. An active and vital community, combined with a below national average cost of business and housing in a central Southeastern location make Franklin an extremely beneficial place to live, work and play. Location on the I-65 corridor affords ease of accessibility to major cities such as Nashville, St. Louis and Cincinnati - all within less than a business day's drive. We strive to provide our members with business development programs, valuable resources, effective marketing and visibility opportunities to ally broad, long-term goals of industry with this unique locality.

Chamber Checks Gift Certificate Program

The Chamber of Commerce announces the launch of their new Gift Certificate program.  The program will be called Chamber Checks and will replace the previous program known as Certifichecks.  In making the announcement, Chamber Director Steve Thurmond noted that this program will be totally administered by the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce.  "The program we participated in last year was administered by a company that had been in business over 20 years and was recommended by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.  As everyone knows we had difficulty with that company but I am pleased to say, not a single individual or merchant lost a penny through that program," Thurmond said.  He went on to say, "we learned a lot last year, enough to administer the program through our office with the funds deposited in a local bank, under the complete control of the local Chamber. 

The Chamber Checks program works like a gift certificate.  An individual purchases the certificate from the Chamber.  The recipient can then use the certificate like cash at any Chamber participating merchant in Franklin.  "We use this program to try and encourage our community to spend their money in Franklin" Thurmond said.  At the time of purchase, a complete list of participating merchants is included with the gift certificate. 

Thurmond asked that any Chamber merchant interested in participating in the program or anyone interested in purchasing the certificates please contact the Chamber at 586.7609. 

Franklin Family Favorites Cookbook

Franklin Favorites Cookbook For SaleThe Chamber has purchased more of the Franklin Family Favorites cookbook.  The cookbook includes more than 400 recipes, complied by Chamber members, in a hardback book with stand.  The cookbooks make a wonderful birthday, house warming, wedding, hostess or Christmas gift.  The cookbooks are $14.95 plus tax but available to Chamber members at a discounted price of $12.95 plus tax.  Discounted cookbooks can only be purchased at the Chamber office.  Any Chamber merchant interested in carrying the cookbooks in their stores needs to contact the Chamber office at 586.7609.
Junior Achievement It’s now time to start recruiting volunteers for Spring JA classes! We will need volunteers for every 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classroom at Simpson and Lincoln Elementary!
 
We have numerous classrooms needing JA Volunteers and the time periods vary so we will be happy to work with your schedule in finding the perfect JA class for you. Each grade level requires a volunteer to visit the classroom 5 times for 30 to 45 minutes each time you go.
 
JA staff provides program training and equips you with all the materials and lesson plans you need to teach! It’s so easy!
 
For more information about program topics or classrooms available please contact Laura S. Goodman, Program Manager at
(270) 782-0280 or laurasimpson1@bellsouth.net
 
Helps us increase our impact on students in Simpson County! You can do it!
THIS WEEK AT THE CHAMBER

Thursday Feb. 11…The Chamber will have a ribbon cutting at the new Sol Azteca restaurant, located next to the Hampton Inn on US 31-W South at Exit 2.  Please join us at 10:00 am for this exciting event.  The building previously occupied by the American Bistro has undergone extensive remodeling and is beautiful.  After the ribbon cutting you are invited to enjoy refreshments with the owners and staff.  Sol Azteca is a new member of the Chamber so please attend this ribbon cutting and show them a real Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce welcome.
 
Looking to next week:
 
Tuesday Feb.16... Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce Dee Jay Day on WFKN. Fourteen members of the Chamber will man the microphones from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm to promote membership and events of the Chamber of Commerce.  This has been a favorite activity of the Chamber
for several years and is sure to be entertaining again this year.  Dee Jays for the day include:  Lee McBrayer and Jim Flynn; Betty Parker and Bill Johnson; Amy Ellis and Tammie Carey; Scott Brown and Hunter Bowen; Laura Goodman and Heather Rogers; Jill Broderson and Teresa Perkins; Debbie Johnson and Steve Thurmond and Brad Gregory and James Mooneyhan.  Our thanks to Jamie Johnson and WFKN for putting the station at risk to allow this day to take place.  Please tune in and be a part of the fun.
 
Wednesday Feb. 17… The Franklin-Simpson Youth Action Team invites you to learn about their coalition at a reception from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Brickyard Restaurant.  A 15 minute presentation will be given at 12:30.  The mission of the coalition is to promote positive attitudes and lifestyles in the youth population.  Reservations for this meeting can be made by contacting Karen Daniels at 270-901-5000, ext 1027.  The event is come and go as you wish.
 
Thursday Feb 18… The Chamber will have a “Business After Hours” at the Franklin-Simpson High School Career and Technical Center between the hours of 3:30 and 5:30.  Please join us for this exciting event as Chamber members will be treated to an afternoon primarily student driven.  From refreshments to floral decorations, from carpentry to health services, see demonstrations by students of the various classes being offered at the center.  Visit the newly completed television studio and the editing room, and then stop by the Welding Department and see how students are learning to use the computerized plasma cutter. Many of the activities of the center are little known by the general public.  This is a chance for business and industry to see how our students are being trained and will give an opportunity to discuss with Center Director Jaxon Grover and his staff other needs you may have.  If you have questions about this, please give me a call and I will be happy to furnish additional information.
 
Legislative Update: The Kentucky Chamber issues Legislative Updates from time to time when the Kentucky Legislature is in session.  Click here for this week’s update.  As you review this report, remember each Chamber stands on its own and the opinions of the Kentucky Chamber do not necessarily reflect those of the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce.
 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! The third annual Franklin-Simpson Community Health Fair Presented by The Medical Center at Franklin will be Saturday March 6.  Many screenings and good information will be available.  More information will follow.

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Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce
201 S. Main St. Franklin, KY
270.586.7609