Weiser about to get its crab on

WEISER – The Weiser Chamber of Commerce is moving into a new era.

 “We are kind of revitalizing it,” said Crystal Torres, a longtime chamber board member and current president of the organization.  

 The chamber recently hired a new director – Jodi Johnson – and is gearing up for its 25th annual crab feed. The crab feed is one of the organization’s biggest fundraisers, said Torres.

 “We usually have a pretty full house,” said Torres.

 The crab feed is slated for Saturday, April 5, at the Vendome Events Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the cost is $50 per person or $750 for a full table. Tickets are available through the chamber’s website – weiserchamber.info. 

 Last year, said Torres, nearly 300 people were on hand for the event. Torres said the crab feed will include a live, silent and dessert auction. Dinner includes crab, ribs, rolls and a no-host bar. 

 Torres said the focus this year for the chamber is to add new members and enhance the organization’s ties to the community.

 “We’ve had a lot of turnover but I think we are pretty solid now,” said Torres.

 Torres said the chamber leaders are also examining sponsoring a chili/brew festival and fun run in the future.

 “We don’t necessarily want to run every event, but we do want to collaborate,” said Torres.

 Now the organization – which includes about 100 members – meets the third Tuesday of every month at different locations and different times around town, said Torres. To find out more about a specific event or time, interested individuals can go online to the chamber’s website, said Johnson.

 Johnson said the chamber is moving into the future.

 “I want to help revitalize the chamber,” said Johnson.

 Johnson isn’t a newcomer to the chamber. She said she’s been a board member for more than 10 years and decided to become director of the organization because she thought “it was a great opportunity to make an impact.”

 “We have some amazing new ideas. We want to get young people involved and empty nesters or retirees. We want to be the hub,” said Johnson.

 Torres said the chamber is ready to start its Live After Five events, and collaborated with Incahoots BBQ & Catering in a National Ag Day event on March 18.

 Torres said the organization also updated its website.

 “We want the community to support and trust us,” said Torres.

 Torres said the chamber is looking for volunteers, especially people willing to lead specific chamber committees.

 “One of our main goals is to support small businesses,” said Torres.