CHAMBER SERVICES
Economic Development
City Marketing: At the close of each year, WVACC recognizes all area businesses through a promotional campaign in the North Mississippi Herald. Additionally, the Chamber organizes, promotes, and/or attends special meetings and events focused on area growth and development.
Events and Services
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies: The Mayor and the Water Valley Ambassadors join local citizens at these ceremonies to officially welcome a new business. A representative of the local newspaper is in attendance to photograph and report on the event.
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon: At the close of each school year, WVACC hosts a luncheon for the employees of the Water Valley school district. This event is intended as a gesture of thanks for the hard work and long hours the staff spends educating are youth.
Technology Expo: The technology department at the local high school sponsors a Technology Expo in February. Local businesses and industries are on hand to demonstrate their various technologies to the students. WVACC supports the Expo via the planning committee and also generates the revised " Water Valley Area Businesses" directory.
Water Valley Ambassadors: This group is comprised primarily of retired professionals who volunteer their time and resources to promote hometown hospitality at various special events sponsored by the WVACC. Ambassadors are present at ribbon-cutting ceremonies to generate support for new businesses. And every August, Ambassadors act as official hosts for the Watermelon Carnival, operating a welcome and information station and also selling carnival T-shirts, Christmas ornaments, and souvenir programs.
WVACC Banquet: This banquet is an annual event, held each April, for the purpose of honoring Chamber members and recognizing their contributions to the Water Valley area. On this special night, members are joined by regional dignitaries, community leaders, and local citizens for fellowship, entertainment, and dining. The WVACC annual report is discussed, and a prominent guest speaker presents the keynote address.
Watermelon Carnival: The Watermelon Carnival is held on the first Saturday in August each year. Thousands of people attend this cherished four-day event, which coincides with various class and family reunions, and includes a Music Fest, 5k run, a Street Dance, watermelon contests, good eats, continuous entertainment, and arts and crafts booths.
Marketing Opportunities
Community Guide: The Chamber of Commerce's Official Guide to the Water Valley Area is a comprehensive magazine that markets the city to potential newcomers and relocates, whether they be families or industries. Sections within this publication includes information on business, education, housing, recreation, and the like.
Membership Directory: The " Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Resource Pages" provide information on WVACC various programs and services. The publication also includes a complete roster of Water Valley area businesses. The directory, which is printed within the Community Guide is also available separately as a pamphlet.
Regional Resources Library: Housed at the WVACC, this library consists of up-to-date information on a variety of subjects, including statistical data, Realtor guides, education materials, historic journals, and maps. Most of the resources in this library are provided at no cost, and all materials in this collection are for public use.
Yalobusha County Muti-Purpose Building
Located on Highway 7, about 10 miles from downtown Water Valley, this multi-use center provides meeting, banquet, and program services to the entire county. Housed within the building is a state-of-the-art video conferencing room that is one of 11 sites in the Mississippi State University Extension Service system with the capability to interact with other sites for personnel training, educational workshops, and community presentations. The building also contains a staging area with bleacher capacity of 820 that is large enough to host rodeos, horseshows, and other such large events. Additionally, the YC Multi-Purpose Building is designated as a regional disaster headquarters, complete with generator power and emergency communication services.
