Chamber showcase to be held Monday

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce hopes to show off the wares of Harlem at a networking event Monday night.

The chamber is holding its next SuCCess Columbia County Style event at 5 p.m. at the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Harlem.

"We're going to showcase the Harlem chamber businesses," Harlem Mayor Scott Dean said, adding that the city of Harlem is one of the sponsors of the event.

The after-hours networking event held on even months offers businesses a chance to meet and socialize with other chamber members, said Terra Carroll, the chambers director of programs.

"It's a great chance for business owners to meet other folks, network and see what they have to offer as well," Carroll said.

But this is the first time the after-hours event has been held in Harlem, Carroll said.

"I know a lot of people look at that Harlem-Grovetown area as being out of the way, but it's still a part of our community," Carroll said. "We're recruiting chamber members from that area, and we need to offer something to them."

Dean said sponsors including Regions Bank, Horizon Motor Coach, Greenco, Starling Funeral Home and BG's Deli and Fine Catering have several events planned that will show off Harlem's wares.

Buses will be taking chamber members on short tours of the town including downtown businesses, the Oliver Hardy monument and the Harlem City Park, in which a walking track and other renovations were recently completed

"It ought to be a good day. We're thrilled and glad to show off," Dean said, adding that approximately half of Harlem's businesses are chamber members. Dean also will talk about the Sons of the Desert International Convention for which Harlem was chosen as host for July 2006. The convention attracts thousands of Laurel and Hardy fans from throughout the world.

The evening networking event also will include entertainment, door prizes from Harlem businesses and food provided by BG's. Carroll said she expects between 80 and 150 chamber members to attend the meeting.

"Just bring plenty of business cards," Carroll said.

There is no cost for chamber members to attend the event, but preregistration is requested and can be made by calling the chamber at 860-4735.