Pike County Chamber of Commerce announces new student membership

Troy University students now have the ability to become members of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

The program comes as a collaboration between the Pike County Chamber, the Sorrell College of Business (SCOB) and the IDEA Bank. Its goal is to begin to integrate the next generation into the business climate in Pike County.

“This program will create opportunities for students to connect with business leaders in our area, which we hope will lead to internships and careers for Troy students,” said SCOB Associate Dean Dr. Laura Dove. “The Pike County Chamber of Commerce works with its members to host incredible networking events all through the year which will now be available to Troy student members.”

The idea originated in the dean’s office in the SCOB, but the process of outlining the specifics of the program and working with the Pike County Chamber to facilitate the partnership was largely done by the IDEA Bank, led by Lynne George. The IDEA Bank’s Program and Marketing Coordinator, Reanna Thompson, said they became so involved in the development because the partnership is the essence of their program.

“It directly supports our mission of connecting students with entrepreneurship, innovation, and opportunities beyond the classroom,” Thompson said. “The Student Chamber will give students a firsthand look at the economic development happening right here in Pike County, connecting them with local business owners, community leaders and the people driving our local economy forward.

“Through hands-on experiences and meaningful community involvement, students will see how businesses grow, how economic development impacts our community and the role they can play in Pike County's future.”

In creating an opportunity for both the students and infrastructure of Pike County, the membership program offers an example of higher education being the bridge between the next generation and post-grad livelihood.

“For Troy University to positively impact both its students and the surrounding community is a powerful example of what higher education can accomplish,” said Professor Stan Blankenship, coordinator of the Sorrell Corporate Partnership Program. “The University's role extends beyond providing an education; it also includes helping strengthen the communities in which its students live, learn and will eventually build their careers.”

He also said the multifaceted impacts the partnership creates are exactly what makes it so rewarding.

“One of the most fulfilling aspects of this collaboration is knowing that the benefits extend beyond a single event or experience,” Blankenship said. “We are helping students gain exposure, build confidence, develop professional relationships and see how their education connects to the business world.

“At the same time, we are strengthening the relationship between Troy University and the community we serve.”

Blankenship isn’t the only one involved that finds the program personally rewarding, though. Dove said this partnership is a prime example of why she does what she does.

“For me, this is one of the most meaningful achievements to come from my work in the Dean’s office over the past five years,” Dove said. “I can’t wait to see this program grow, and I would urge all Troy students to take advantage of this membership.

“The Chamber’s impact in Pike County can’t be overstated, and we are truly grateful for their support of our students.”

Student members will be able to attend Chamber networking events and even some events focused solely on the students in partnership with the SCOB. They will have constant opportunities to meet and grow relationships with local business owners, community leaders and Chamber officials.

They will also have direct connections to lunch-and-learns, workshops and mentoring opportunities, as well as job listings and internship boards available exclusively to student Chamber members.

The membership will have a $25 annual fee and is exclusive for Troy University students. Any Troy students interested in a membership can go to pikecoc.com to view the requirements to join.