iNFORMER News February '09

Building Trinidad's Blogging Community - 2 Social Media and Blogging aren't just buzzwords anymore. Continuing last month's discussion, let's look at some of the opportunities we have. Using this technology, you will find what matters to you and your customers. You will have the opportunity to continually improve your service or product, and efficiently promote it to people who care about it. Like word-of-mouth, free customer reviews are more authentic and often more effective than expensive advertising. You will build relationships and encourage repeat customers by staying in touch - at their and your convenience. And, the more Trinidad Businesses we have linked together, the easier it will be for people to find what they want - right here in Trinidad.

Opportunities For Your Business

• Improving your product or service
• Promoting effeciently
• Building relationships/repeat business

Opportunities For Our Community

• Cross-promoting serendipitously
• Strengthening community ties
• Improving our Town's reputation

Are we going to use Social Media? That is no longer the right question. How do we use it it is. Like every choice in life, we will choose how beneficial Social Media opportunities are to us, to our community, and to our visitors, by how we use them.

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Monthly Dinner Meeting – February 17th Open presentation followed by private dinner What's Going On Here? We will announce our speaker in a few days, but we are trying something new for our next dinner meeting. A member suggested we have our presentation before our dinner and invite the community to attend. We are still working this all out, but will be in touch soon about the final arrangements. For now, please plan on joining us on Tuesday February 17th with dinner served by the great folks of Catch Cafe. Dinner price is $17.50 per person. Please make your dinner reservations by Sunday evening, February 15th.

Call 677-1610

Calendar Of Up-Coming Events

February 6th - Trinidad Union Elementary Spaghetti Dinner February 7th - Trinidad to Clam Beach Run February 17th - Monthly Chamber Dinner Meeting March 7th - Mardi Gras fundraiser for Trinidad Union School

If you or your organization would like to advertise your special event, we're glad to add it to our Calendar of Up-coming Events. For more information, Call 677-1610

Simple & Effective Ways to Promote

We can help! Use our Chamber Blogletter & Newsletter. We will post your event in our iNFORMER News Blog, and we can include your flyer in our monthly newsletter. Our blog and newsletter are sent to all of our Chamber members as well as other Chambers in the Northern California area. Many people subscribe to our blog to receive up-to-the-minute news and information.

Still Time to Sign Up for the Clam Beach Run Whether you plan to run, walk or volunteer to help with the Trinidad to Clam Beach run, there’s still time to sign up for an experience you won’t forget. So mark your calendars! The 44th annual Trinidad to Clam Beach Run is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th. Sponsored by the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce, the run features three different races suitable for all ages and experience. The race course winds along our beautiful coastline with gorgeous views of ocean and redwoods, with an exciting river crossing and finish on Clam Beach. After the race, join your friends for the famous homemade vegetarian chili at the Trinidad Elementary School.

For more information and to sign up, go to TrinidadToClamBeach.com or,

Call 707 677 1610

Late registration and packet pick-up: Thursday February 5th 5-7PM Trinidad Town Hall

Friday February 6th 4-6PM Red Lion Hotel 1929 4th St. Eureka

Race Day Registration - 9-11AM Trinidad Town Hall

Proceeds from the run fund the Chamber’s scholarship program. Race Director Nancy Sheen can still use some volunteers, so if you want to help out,

Call 677-01610

See you there!

Spaghetti Feed to Raise Funds for Class Trip While you are thinking about the Clam Beach Run, don’t forget our wonderful community tradition of the pre-race Spaghetti Feed on Friday night, February 6th. This is a great way to get your “carbo load” for the race or just enjoy a great Friday night out with the family. There’s a plate of spaghetti that’s a perfect size for everyone. Proceeds raise funds for the Trinidad Union Elementary 5th and 6th grades class trip. For more information and tickets,

Call 677- 3631

Mardi Gras Event to Support School Programs Jan West reminds everyone that this year’s event to raise funds for the Trinidad Union Elementary school music and sports programs will be a gala Mardi Gras on Saturday March 7th, starting at 6:00 pm. Featuring the great music of the Earl Thomas Band, great food and an auction, this will be one of the premier events of the year. With funding for music and art programs disappearing, this event helps ensure our children have access to these important programs as part of their school curriculum. Don’t delay, tickets will go fast! Advance ticket sales are available at TrinidadSchool.blogspot.com, or for more information, contact Jan West, Call 677-3655

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Thank You for Your 2009 Membership Get your 2009 membership window decal from Dori, if you missed it in your mail. Proudly display it as a symbol of your support for our Chamber and demonstrate to your friends and visitors that you support our community in a very active way. Vocational Scholarships Available Reminder – Vocational Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted. Here’s your chance to acquire new business skills. The Chamber is now accepting applications for our annual Vocational Scholarship program. Two scholarships in the amount of $500 each will be available and may be used for College, Vocational School, or Vocational Training Programs. Chamber members (at least 2 years membership) and their children are eligible. In addition to the Chamber ’s Academic Excellence Scholarships awarded to high school seniors who pursue a 4 year academic degree, we recognize that some students pursue vocational academic paths at community colleges or in vocational training programs. And adults may decide to return to school for advanced degrees or training in a new field; or just brush up on old skills to help run their business more effectively. It’s simple to apply, so don’t delay! For additional information and an application,

Call 677-1610

Get Linked Up! If you haven’t already been linked from our Chamber’s Web site to your own Member site, now is the time to do it. Our Web site has a new look, with lots of exciting features that will attract both local and distant viewers. Linking will help your search rankings too! We have thousands of visitors looking at our site every month.

With advertising costs increasing, getting maximum benefit from Web based advertising and exposure is critical. Or if you sponsor or support a nonbusiness or non-profit organization that would benefit from linking the Chamber Web site and yours, we now have the “in-house” ability to do it quickly and easily. Don’t delay, use this Chamber service now.