Taylor Deere, Membership and Program Director of the Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce and Regional Economic Development Corporation, at the monthly Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the Clinton Building in Sikeston on Thursday, January 19, 2023. , reviewed last year. (Leona Healing/Standard Democrat)
The format for announcing the entertainment line-up for the upcoming Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo will be a little different this year.
The announcement will continue in March, in collaboration with the Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce, but will take place in the evening and will be open to members of the public.
Taylor Deere, Chamber Member and Program Director, highlighted the change during a presentation at the Chamber’s Member Luncheon in the Clinton Building in Sikeston on Thursday, January 19.
“This is my most exciting announcement,” Deere said Thursday. “I love how Jaycees are always willing to try new things.”
For years, Jaycees has announced the entertainment line-up for its next rodeo at the Chamber of Commerce members’ luncheon in March.
“Probably one of the most well-attended luncheons is our partnership with them for the launch of Rodeo Entertainment,” said Deere. “They plan to move it to an evening event. So it will replace our March luncheon. Our partnership with the Chamber of Commerce continues.”
Set for Friday, March 24th, the doors will open only for members of the Chamber at 4:30pm during a special social hour. Dinner and programs begin at 6:30 PM, followed by live music.
“Hopefully this will be an exciting new way to kick off the rodeo season,” Deere said. “There will be entertainment announcements, followed by live performances, and I think it will be a very fun event. It will be open to the public after Chamber Mixer Hour.”
This year’s rodeo is August 9-12.
Other small changes the Chamber of Commerce is making in 2023 include: And add a blog.
“Watch out for posts covering events, chamber luncheons/ribbon cuttings, member spotlights, corporate sponsorship features, and more,” Dia said.
Deere also said 2022 was a great year for the Chamber.
In another Chamber of Commerce luncheon news, Marcie Lawson, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and Regional Economic Development Corporation, gave an update on economic development. She pointed out that construction continues at Carlisle Construction. Over 490,000 square feet of space under one roof.
“They put over $100 million in capital investment in this building and therefore invested in Sikeston,” said Lawson. “It’s exciting for our community.”
Lawson noted that the new construction company has brought more than 100 new jobs to Sikeston and is halfway through the hiring process. She said Carlisle has a goal of starting full production by April.
Lawson also briefed the audience on the strategic planning process for economic development, while Chamber of Commerce Administrator and SOAR Director Katie Merides provided an update on the SOAR program for Sikeston High School students. SOAR stands for Students Observing Area Resources.
Kathy Medley, executive vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and director of the Sikeston Convention and Visitors Bureau, briefed the audience on upcoming events and projects.
The first-ever Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place June 16-18 at the Sikeston Jaycee Boothell Rodeo Grounds. Currently, 57 vendors are registered. Friday and Saturday vendor rates are $35 per space. Sponsorships are also available.
Work is underway on the Veterans Park Sikeston Honors Banner and Light Project in collaboration with Sikeston CVB, the Veterans Park Committee, and Sikeston Parks and Recreation. Medley said 16 period light poles will be installed on the east and west sidewalks adjacent to Veterans Park, with banners honoring local veterans displayed on each pole. A QR code is also displayed on each pole, directing users to his SRC website to read the veteran’s story.
The Tourism Advisory Board will present this year’s winners with the Sikeston Tourism and Hospitality Award at a luncheon at Lambert’s Cafe on March 2 at noon. The guest speaker is Stephen Foutes, Director of the Missouri Tourism Authority. This award recognizes companies, organizations or individuals who have made significant contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry.
Past winners include Lambert’s Cafe, Sikeston Parks and Recreation, and Sikeston Jaycees.
