By Tatum Northington
Elmore/Autauga News
The Millbrook Chamber of Commerce is growing their volunteer programs by creating a “Junior Ambassador” team to work hand in hand with the Chamber. Chambers across the nation have Ambassador programs, which consist of volunteers from local businesses who are actively involved in what the Chamber does. These ambassadors are the bridge between current members and new members and help grow the Chamber’s community involvement.
The Junior Ambassador Program will be a branch of the Ambassadors, and will allow high school students to get real world experience in the community to understand the relationships between business and government. Brenda Dennis, the Executive Director of the Chamber said “This program is in its ‘Beta’ stage and we are introducing it slowly to the community. We want to get it right to allow it to benefit the most students. Applications are open to current Stanhope Elmore High School Juniors and Seniors, and our plan is to grow to include the private schools in Millbrook as well.”
This partnership between the Chamber and SEHS will allow local students to participate in business and networking during the year. Students will take part in a curriculum designed to help future business owners and entrepreneurs by teaching the basics of giving back to the community, elevator pitches/speeches, community involvement, and will immerse students in different aspects of Chamber activities. SEHS Principal, Ewell Fuller, said “The entire reason we are here is to help students be prepared for life outside of high school. Stanhope Elmore is very excited to partner with the Millbrook Chamber to allow students to have real life experiences and to introduce these great kids to the business world.”
Students will participate in job shadowing, they will create business plans, and at the end of the year will present their plans to a panel of judges. Students involved will also have the chance to earn scholarships through this program. Current SEHS Senior, Olivia Raife, was instrumental in bringing this new program to Millbrook. Raife volunteers at the Chamber weekly, and has helped the Ambassadors by digitizing historical documents for the Chamber, while also sharing insight to help the Chamber attract other high school students into participating.
The entire reason to have a chamber of commerce is to have businesses, business professionals, and government officials working towards the common goal of building a healthy economy and improving the quality of life within a community. The Millbrook Chamber of Commerce encourages and promotes giving back to the community. Dennis said “When you’re able to give back, it only helps the community grow and thrive, making the community stronger. Our Junior Ambassadors will work hand in hand with us to learn about civic engagement to develop lifelong skills that will help them in the communities they reside in after high school and college.”
The Junior Ambassador program will be led by Chamber member and current Ambassador, Ashley Williams, owner of PestPro Services. Williams explained by saying “We need the JA program to help show our young adults that businesses, communities, and government all have to work together to keep the wheel turning. I grew up in Millbrook and I want to share what I know with these young adults, so they can gain real world experience and to show them that our community is strong and supportive.” Williams, along with others, will teach these students about the importance of participating in local government as well as giving back to the community to help foster a love for the place that they live.
SEHS students can find the application here or by visiting the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce Website. The application deadline has been extended from September 16 to September 23. Applications can be turned into the front office at SEHS or delivered to the Chamber. Should you have questions regarding the program, please reach out to Brenda Dennis at the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce.
