Programs and Events

Ongoing Programs

Ambassadors - The Ambassadors are the welcoming committee for the Chamber.  They introduce new members and assist the Chamber with activities including ribbon cuttings and ground breakings.  The Chamber Ambassadors are:

Bill Austin Kelly Banton Brownie Bennett Kelly Bullington

Tammie Carey Lydia J. Latham Lee McBrayer Milli McIntosh

Sonny Monroe Betty Parker Tom Prow Damian Wirth

Chamber Gift Certificates - The Chamber promotes business in Simpson County through Chamber Gift Certificates.  The gift certificates can be used at any of the approximate 40 participating member merchants.  This is an easy way to reward employees, present gifts and support local merchants.

Gift Certificates Participating Members*:

ABM Cleaners American Cleaners Bowen Tire Bray Eye Care Brickyard Café Crabtree Furniture Country Club Quickstop / Subway Drugstore of Franklin Evening Roost Finishing Touch Salon Franklin Drive-In	Franklin Sporting Goods Franklin-Simpson Arts Council Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce Gallery on the Square Harmon’s Jill Broderson Interiors Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course Kentucky Downs & Winning Colors Sports Bar	Lawless & Wiesemann Orthodontics Main Street Printing Mama Gentry’s Natural Health Oasis Southwest Grill Papa Johns Peas in a Pod Piggly Wiggly Pineapple Lily Pistols ‘N Petticoats Pizza Hut	Poppy’s Donuts & More Roxy Simpson County Tire The Cedars The Trophy Shop Tis the Season Zaxby’s
*Merchants method of giving change may vary

Discount Theme Park Tickets - The Chamber of Commerce contracts with theme parks to offer discount tickets to Chamber members and their employees.

Leadership Franklin-Simpson - The Chamber of Commerce and Simpson County Extension Service join together to form Leadership Franklin-Simpson.  This is an educational program designed to familiarize participants with the leadership opportunities, needs, problems and resources in our community.  The class includes five day-long studies on topics such as Agriculture, Education, Health, Government, and Industry & Small Business.

Office Depot Rewards Program - Office Depot, in association with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, has developed a discount program for Chamber members.  There is no cost to participate.  Contact the Chamber to enroll and start saving money on all your office supplies.

Seminars - The Chamber hosts several seminars throughout the year with topics such as small business development, communication in the workplace and website design.

Events

Annual Meeting - Every year Chamber members gather to elect new board members and to witness the passing of the gavel from the current Board President to the incoming President.  The Chamber also recognizes individuals and businesses for their contributions to the community during the previous year.

Blood Drives - Because in giving we are a community.

Chamber Dee Jay Day
Chamber Directors and members take over Franklin’s radio station, WFKN 1220, one day every year to promote the Chamber’s membership, programs and events.

Community Health Fair -  The first Saturday in March, the Chamber organizes a Community Health Fair that offers free screenings, valuable medical information and demonstrations.  This annual event gives the public an opportunity to discuss everything from health insurance to gym memberships; from caring for the elderly to medical equipment.  Consistently, over $500 of screenings are provided to attendees free of charge.

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Eye Openers / Business After Hours - The Eye Openers, held the first Tuesday of each month, offer Chamber members an opportunity to network with other members.  The event is hosted by a different member each month and held at their place of business.  The Business After Hours is another great networking tool for Chamber members and a great way to showcase local businesses.

Festival On The Square - The Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Festival on the Square the third weekend of September.  This event brings thousands to Franklin’s historic downtown every year.  The Festival includes live horse racing, sidewalk sales, concerts and much more with the grand finale being the Arts & Crafts Fair and the Southern Kentucky AACA Antique Auto Show.

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Garden Spot Run / Walk -  The Garden Spot 5K Run/Walk is held the second Saturday in August and is rapidly becoming a community favorite with more than 500 participants.  The race course is mostly flat and through residential areas.  There are special challenges for corporations, schools and churches.  Trophies and cash prizes are awarded to overall winners in male and female run and walk categories.

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Legislative Luncheon - The annual Legislative Luncheon is a great opportunity for the community to meet with its legislators and get an update on current government issues.  Guests are encouraged to make comments and ask questions..

Mustang Mania At The Downs -  The all Mustang car show is held the second Saturday in June at Kentucky Downs Race Course.  The day is filled with music, vendors, door prizes and of course lots of Mustangs.  The event is great fun for Mustang owners and those who have always dreamed of owning one.

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Red Geranium Sale - The red geranium is the official flower of Simpson County.   In conjunction with Earth Day celebrations, the Chamber and Franklin-Simpson High School FFA sell geraniums to help promote beautification efforts throughout the county.

Ribbon Cuttings / Ground Breakings - New business, grand openings and expansions are celebrated with Chamber Ribbon Cuttings and Ground-breakings.  Chamber Directors, Ambassadors and members along with city and county officials are invited to join the celebration.