Springtime planning with the chamber
![Andrea Fulks](https://hagadone.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/01/18/0126_Fulks_Andrea_t670.jpg?b3f6a5d7692ccc373d56e40cf708e3fa67d9af9d)
Andrea Fulks
“Spring is the time of the year, when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.” — Charles Dickens
Ah spring — what a wonderful time of the year. The birds are singing, flowers blooming and the leaves on trees are turning to a beautiful hue. Wait. It’s the first week in April and it has been snowing off and on the last few weeks. The birds are confused, the flowers are trying to pop out of hibernation and the leaves haven’t quite sprouted yet. But as the saying goes, “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” I don’t think that meant snow showers.
I can’t believe that one quarter of the year is already behind us. I’ve been seeing pictures and hearing about all the vacations that have taken place over spring break and am jealous but living vicariously through each of you as I hear some of you say of my vacations during the Christmas holiday season. Spring is a time that means we have started to adjust to the time change, and that it is time to focus on filing taxes, starting to think about our garden starts and begin the planning stages for other projects and events.
Speaking of taxes, we know that you are aware of tax scams; however, it is also good to remind businesses/individuals of steps you can take if you are scammed. IRS Imposter Scam — what is it? An intimidating and sophisticated phone scam, callers claim to be IRS employees and say you owe taxes. They might also threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay. They want to know part or all of your Social Security number, they will rig caller ID to make it look like the call is from the IRS or tell you to put the money on a prepaid debit card and tell them the card number. Know that the IRS DOES NOT: 1) Call to demand immediate payment about taxes owed without first sending you a notification by mail. 2) Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone. 3) Threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement to arrest you for no payment. If you have any doubt, contact the IRS directly.
March was a busy month with eight new members, more than 10 prospective new member appointments, attending seven business events in the community, delivered almost 20 Member Appreciation Engagement Bags for St. Patrick’s Day out to our seasoned members, had great attendance at our own NBC Luncheon with Joel Nania from the SBA as a presenter and, learned how to roll sushi at the Hayden Chamber After Hours event with My Sushi Sensei at The Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center.
We did welcome two members into the Hayden Chamber with their ribbon cuttings, Fosterful and Aflac. Looking forward to next month as we already have a few more scheduled.
SAVE THE DATE — 3rd Annual Bacon, Bloodys & Brews Festival — May 17 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Stateline Speedway. Purchase your tickets at www.haydenchamber.org
“Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer.” — Anita Krizzan
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Andrea Fulks is the president/CEO for the Hayden Chamber of Commerce.