Chamber Coffee Shop Now Open

Visiting over a cup of coffee just took a leap forward with a new idea recently launched by the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce.

A new coffee shop -- open to chamber members and the community -- serves up a good dose of hot, fresh coffee and a chance to meet and greet fellow McDonald County neighbors.

The coffee shop, which just opened Sept. 1, has been a hit so far. Local businesses have already lined up to sponsor the idea and showcase their services, according to Chamber executive director Charla Sue Brewer.

"The response has been pretty positive," Brewer said. "We have the next six weeks of sponsorships covered."

The shop is open from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, at the Chamber office, 308 Harmon Street, on the Pineville Square.

The chamber seeks businesses to sponsor the coffee event each week. Sponsorship is $25, includes a Facebook post and a chance to display products and services at the Chamber office, Brewer said. The opportunity is open to all businesses, whether Chamber members or those who aren't, she said.

Those who wish to be on hand to showcase their services may do so, but aren't required to, Brewer added.

The idea for such a coffee shop got its start when Bear Bowers volunteered to serve up some coffee and officials wanted to build on the idea of bringing neighbors together.

"We want to engage chamber members, as well as the community," Brewer said.

From there, the idea grew into a coffee shop, to help businesses showcase their services.

Anyone is welcome to stop in for a cup of Joe and visit with neighbors, learn more about McDonald County businesses and enjoy some baked goods as well, Brewer said.

Officials also plan to remodel the kitchen at the office, as well as do some painting. Brewer recently received approval at the Pineville City Council meeting to take those measures.

The coffee shop idea is a long-term goal that officials hope to keep playing out.

"Our goal is to keep it going as long as we can," Brewer said.

Chamber officials also are hosting chamber meetings -- open to the public -- on the second Wednesday of every month. The meetings, which begin at noon, are held at the Old 71 Community Room in Anderson.

Officials used to host the meetings every quarter, but have changed that to every month as a way to build rapport and share information.

Anyone interested in attending may do so, Brewer added.

Those seeking more information or businesses interested in participating in the coffee shop may reach out to the Chamber by calling 417-223-8888 or emailing [email protected].

General News on 09/20/2018