Summertime is my favorite time of the year!
The summer heat brings us all out of our winter shells to enjoy the outdoors.  There is always something going on in the community for families to participate in at little to no cost. 
Some of those activities include some Chamber related community activities like:
• Movies Under the Stars – this event is sponsored by US Cellular and takes place in beautiful downtown Rolla at the Bandshell on July 18 and Aug. 15.  The feature presentation on July 18 will be “Over the Hedge” which is an adorable animated movie that children of all ages will enjoy as will their parents.  There is no charge to attend the movie, event the popcorn in complimentary.  The movie will begin at twilight so bring the family and chairs or blankets and enjoy a fun movie in the beautiful outdoors.
• Music Under the Stars – the first concert of the summer series will take place July 24 at the Bandshell located downtown.
Embarq presents the Pseudo Blues Band, which is a local band that everyone will enjoy.  They will perform from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Food and soda will be available at the concert so all you will need to bring is a lawnchair.
We would also like to invite everyone to attend a few networking events hosted by the Chamber. 
This Friday, July 11, our First Friday Coffee will be held at Joe & Linda’s Tater Patch from 7:30-8:30 a.m. on their outside patio.  Bring your business cards and enjoy networking with other business owners/managers in the area. 
On Wednesday, July 16, we will host our monthly luncheon at the Havener Center with guest speaker Kim Haberman from Hand Therapy of Central Missouri. 
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder will also join us at our luncheon to speak about the Tour of Missouri event that will stop in Rolla on Sept. 11 and start in St. James on Sept. 12. 
Reservations for this event can be sent to the Chamber at 364-3577.
We also are excited to welcome the following businesses to the Chamber’s membership.  Please remember to do business with these local businesses:
• Super 8, Eric Habrich, 1641 Martin Springs Drive, 573 426-6688.
For a complete list of Chamber members, please go to the Chamber Web site at www.rollachamber.org.  This is a great source for local businesses.  Persons also call the Chamber office at 364-3577 for referrals.
We invite everyone to join us for some the following ribbon cutting:  
• Raymond James Financial Services, 718 N. Pine St., 10 a.m.

(Stevie Kearse is executive director of the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce. Her column appears weekly in the Rolla Daily News.)