JEFFERSON — Having the proper support system can make or break a business, which is why the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce is launching its Chamber Ambassador program.

“As our membership grows, it is hard for (the chamber staff) to personally touch each and every member of the chamber,” said Linda C. Foster, chamber vice president of member services.

“We want our ambassadors to help us to mentor and guide our members, particularly new members, so that they can make the most of their membership investment.”

Currently, the chamber has around 570 active members. The goal of the nonprofit group is to serve as the voice of the business community and to promote economic development. Additionally, the chamber serves as a legislative advocate for members through its governmental affairs committee.

Among other things, member business owners are provided with networking opportunities, continuing education experiences and advertising exposure. In addition to mentoring fellow chamber members, ambassadors would also represent the organization at various events and help the organization recruit new members. Ambassadors could be called on to do things like attend ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and monthly chamber breakfasts.

“We would like to kick off the program with eight to 16 ambassadors and grow the program annually,” said Foster.

“(Ambassadors) most definitely (need to be chamber members) since they will be representing the chamber and all that the chamber offers its members.”

The inaugural program launches this month and will run through the end of the year.