New Marlboro Chamber Director Jessie Evans is passionate about shining a light on the businesses and members of the organization. 
A native of Marlboro County, Evans has been in the position for a month.
One goal she has is to increase chamber membership.
“I really want people to know we are here,” she said. “I want to get us out there as well as get more people to join.”
She added the chamber is here to serve the whole county and does not want anyone to feel left out.
Another goal is to try to encompass all of the county into the chamber.
One way is through various monthly, quarterly, and annual events. On Saturday, the quarterly Downtown Market Day will be held with various brick and mortar merchants, vendors, food and music.
It will be from 10 a.m.-2  p.m. in downtown Bennettsville.
For each event, there is a  partnership with a local nonprofit to bring attention to the organization. 
The Downtown Market Day organizers are partnering with Marian Wright Edelman Public Library.
Those attending the event are asked to bring a children’s book to donate and a participating business will be offering a discount of 10 percent off one item per book. 
The books will be used in the 13 Little Free Libraries throughout the county.
Other upcoming events include Taste of Marlboro, Cinema in the City, and Small Business Saturday.
Janelle Bakogiannis, a chamber board member, said a lot of the events introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic will continue, such as the Sip and Shop, Downtown Market Day, and First Friday.
Another goal is to resume the Lunch and Learn programs.
Bakogiannis said the chamber is redoing membership levels, which will be rolled out soon.
Two new levels include a Chamber Youth level and a Scholarship Partner Membership. This level will begin in January of 2022 as an educational opportunity for Marlboro County youth in third grade-18 years. 
Bakogiannis said it is a chance for youth to become involved and learn about businesses in the county. The $25 cost will include four classes a year covering marketing, business topics, customer service and ways to give back to the community.
Evans said the culmination of the program will have the youth planning and executing the Cinema in the City.
The membership dues for the Scholarship Partnership will go into a fund to help award scholarship(s) to members of the graduating class.
“It is another way the membership can give back,” she said.
Evans encouraged people to join the chamber.
“You will have someone working for you,” she said. “I may not be on your payroll, but I am working for you.”
The Marlboro Chamber is opened from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information, call 843-535-8184 or visit marlborochamber.org