Mondee Tilley | The News

Lone Star restaurant is packed with local business men and woman, and local community leaders for the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce’s Lunch with Leaders program.

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A new program implemented by the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce called Lunch with Leaders went so well earlier this month that organizers already are looking forward to the next gathering.

Betty Ann Collins, CEO and president of the chamber of commerce, said the turnout for the program on Sept. 10 was so large, more than 50 people, that she is excited to see how many people turn out to the next event in October.

“We decided that it was going to be an informal meeting and there would be no agenda. We wanted to see how this one went. There were no sales, no promotions, it was just a time to be able to share what’s important to our business community with our leadership and to share what resources they may be able to help with. Sometimes businesses face stumbling blocks that hinders their ability to grow. They may not know who they can contact and it may be easier once they have met that person. It opens the door for follow-ups where details can be worked out at a later date,” said Collins.

The program started as a way for chamber members to network with government officials. The first program was held on Sept. 10 at Lone Star Steakhouse.

Collins said leaders from the city of Mount Airy, Surry County and representatives from both the state and federal level were there as well.

“We wanted to bring in the forces that can help us grow our local business community together. I think those representatives are interested in making our community a better place,” said Collins.

“Once that dialog started, that got the snowball rolling. It proved to be a very successful event,” said Collins.

Aaron Routh, vice president of Hutchens Cleaners, said the event was informative. During the lunch, he sat beside County Commissioner Paul Johnson.

“It was a great platform. It puts you right beside the leaders,” said Routh.

The next Lunch with Leaders will be held on Oct. 5 at 13 Bones at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for chamber members and $20 for non-chamber members. The cost includes a $10 lunch.

For more information, call Tanya Taylor at the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce at 786-6116, extension 4.

Reach Mondee Tilley at heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1930.