The Haywood County Chamber of Commerce exceed goals set for its 2011 “Goin’ Coastal” Membership and Sponsorship Campaign.

The campaign teams recruited 68 new members and approximately $61,000 in sponsorship dollars. The original goal was 50 members and $50,000. During May and June, nine teams consisting of employees from area businesses volunteered to recruit new members throughout the campaign.

“The success of the campaign was directly attributed to the teamwork that the volunteers put into helping build value to both the chamber and the new businesses,” said Campaign Chairman Greg Boothroyd of The Smoky Mountain News.

Representatives from Champion Credit Union, Keller Williams Realty, The Smoky Mountain News, Old Town Bank, BB&T, Home Trust Bank, United Community Bank, chamber ambassadors, and the chamber board of directors shared the benefits of chamber membership as they reached out to area businesses that were not yet with the chamber. Chamber membership extends to all the employees of a member business, allowing them to take advantage of seminars, networking opportunities and special events that provide valuable business information and enable employees and business owners to build resourceful contacts. www.haywood-nc.com.