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Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce Director Monica King has not been in her position for very long, but she already has several new ideas to help the Chamber grow.

King took over as director in September 2023, and immediately had to step into planning Christmas on the River (COTR). She took it all in stride however, and helped make the celebration a success. She even helped bring in a new tradition to COTR in the Noelle Trail where businesses can buy and decorate a Christmas tree to light up the lawn beside the Civic Center.

King said from September to December was an extremely busy time, but she has had a chance to settle in and is looking forward to what the Chamber has coming up.

“We’re really excited about some new programming that we have going on. We have some educational opportunities coming up, and many more things we’ve started to work on already. We’re excited to get started on everything we have planned,” said King.

One thing the Chamber is looking into is a Young Business Professionals Group that King hopes will be able to help guide as they find their way as they begin their careers. Other things the Chamber has planned are Lunch and Learns, and Business Breakfasts that will have speakers and be offered to members of the Chamber of Commerce.

King also said she is looking forward to doing more with the Junior Chamber Ambassadors.

“They’ve been very present during the winter months. They have helped out a lot with the library’s Monster March, and then they helped out with Christmas on the River,” said King. “I’m excited that they are already looking towards services for the community. They’re really a great group of kids and it’s neat to watch them taking over and handling things and learning.”

King said work on the 2024 Chamber Banquet has begun and letters are expected to go out within the next few weeks. A definite date has not been set yet, but King said the banquet might be held earlier this year so as not to conflict with spring sports at the SportsPlex.

New businesses are always a welcome addition to a community, and so far, two new businesses are expected to open their doors very soon. The first new business is Farmers Furniture and is currently in the process of remodeling the old Goody’s building next door to Dirt Cheap on Highway 80. King said the store aims to open by the end of the month.

The other new business is Alabama ONE that will open its Demopolis location in Marengo Square next to Las Fuentes. Alabama ONE Credit Union, based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was chartered in 1951 as the TRW Federal Credit Union. Today, Alabama ONE is a ONE billion-dollar plus, full-service financial institution currently with 20 branches serving more than 80,000 Members across Alabama. 

King said what she is looking forward to the most in 2024 is the growth that is coming to Demopolis.

“I am looking forward to not just collaborating with our members, but with this City and with Main Street. I’m looking forward to us joining forces to do what is best for Demopolis. That is our main interest,” said King.