If you've been to an event hosted by the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber in the last few years you've undoubtedly spotted the bright blue jackets and wondered to yourself who are those people? They are members of the Chamber's Ambassador Club and while a great deal of mystery seems to surround them their mission and purpose are quite clear. They are the Chamber's secret weapon, an army of champion volunteers.

In 2006 the Chamber saw a decline in its volunteers, yet there were still those few faces that always came through the office doors smiling and offering their support, time and time again. In an effort to let those volunteers be recognized for their services to the Chamber, and encourage others to follow suit the Chamber established the Ambassador's Club. The Bylaws and Regulations were created by comparing what other area Chambers were doing and holding meetings with charter club members to discuss what they foresaw for the group.

The founding Ambassadors based the organization on one primary purpose to promote the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce. They serve as good will Ambassadors, promote understanding and confidence in the Chamber, and help promote Chamber membership to all eligible businesses, organizations and individuals.

As with any club or organization the requirements for membership in the Ambassador's Club aren't nearly as mysterious as some might speculate. Club bylaws state that membership is limited to 30 Ambassadors from the general Chamber membership who are in good standing and be voted upon by a simple majority at the regular monthly meeting. Chamber members are also limited to no more than two active Ambassadors at any given time. It has always been a goal of the Club that no one business make-up a majority of its membership.

Ambassadors Club membership presupposes an interest in, sympathy with, and understanding of the purposes and objectives of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce. With this understanding there are commitments and requirements asked of Ambassadors to remain in good standing within the Club. Most of which includes being present at Chamber events throughout the year to lend a helping hand or a shoulder of support.

If you've been looking for a way to make a heartfelt connection through volunteerism and your business is a member of the Chamber don't hesitate to contact the Chamber office to learn more about the requirements of becoming a Chamber Ambassador. There are plenty of blue jackets to go around! To contact the Chamber office call 573-336-5121, e-mail chamber@wsrchamber.com, or visit us at 137 St. Robert Blvd. Ste. B.