Bloomfield, MO - The Bloomfield Chamber held their monthly meeting on Thursday.  The Bank of Advance hosted the meal catered by Las Brisas while the Baptist Church offered a meeting location.

The Bloomfield Chamber is now a Missouri State Chamber Member according to Amy Haas, President of the Bloomfield Chamber.  she also said that if anyone was interested in being a member to please contact her she now has the ability to offer health benefits to businesses with 2-50 employees.

Kristi Baker from the University Missouri Extension Office was the guest speaker.  She spoke of an online course to develop a Farmers Market in the area.  The Bloomfield Chamber already has a farmers market during the summer sponsored by Ozark Federal Credit Union.  Also if anyone has plant issues this spring there is an Agronomist available to answer questions.

"We have nine 4-H Clubs with Puxico being one of our largest in the area," commented Baker.  Pam Elder has created a new club and she will be able to house animals for those who do not have farms.  If any business would like to donate money to cover a child's membership fee please get in contact with her. Cost is $20 per student."  Students ages 5 - 18 may sign up to be in 4-H.

Also Baker is seeking members to serve on an Advisory Council.  

Mechelle Banks, Youth Program Director, also spoke about the youth programs available and some of their future plans to add more programs.

The Bloomfield Chamber would like to thank John McCain, pastor of the First Baptist Church for their hospitality.  He also spoke about the congregation and the fact it has been a church in Stoddard County for 175 years! 

Bank of Advance also announced they are going to have a branch in Bloomfield in the future.  More details forthcoming as progress is made on renovating the building.