Hats off to the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce members who are taken turns manning a booth at the Artisans Sunday Market in the park. Not only are they promoting our area (which some of the citizens wish we wouldn't do so effectively) but checking in with the vendors during the day.

I’m impressed by the way they are handling the market; emailing us mid week to verify who will be attending the next one, trying new area layouts that consider sun/shade/unloading/parking and having a site map already done when you arrive. Chamber members are also asking us what's working or for suggestions on how to improve the market. This takes extra hours and effort from these merchants who are already working a full schedule in their businesses. Pretty amazing! This probably does not directly translate into dollars for their shop, but their belief is that the market showcases the talent of local artisans. This in turn adds to a quality Winthrop experience which helps us all.

It's been over year since I joined the Chamber of Commerce. It's both money and time well spent. For other artists out there, you may want to check in to becoming a member of your local C of C.