And so it begins...

When first arriving in the Summer of 2006, there was something clearly evident: although the Chamber was credited with expanding the local job base for more than a century, and although we had the largest staff in Chamber history, and although we had monthly meetings and a newspaper insert for a newsletter, we were perhaps more disconnected from the business community than at any time during our history.

We spent the next several months redesigning our programs while attaching a team of dedicated professionals to those programs. At the time, I referred to it as a ‘weed and seed’ effort, enhancing those services which worked and getting rid of those that didn’t. Sure, it may have been nice having a monthly breakfast, for example, but it was presented at no charge to the public, costing the organization thousands of dollars while begging for sponsors – and speakers – to fill a program. Our participation was also declining showing that the only real interest was in the free grub.

We’ve made other changes, with the primary success coming from the programs we have added bringing real value to our Partners. Of course, those kinds of changes are really the subject of another blog entry. The real change I wish to discuss is how we connect with our business leaders in today’s economy. The virtual world has become a vital part of all of our lives. Not only do we receive an abundance of emails, but now we get them on our cell phones. We all have computers – in most cases we have more than one, and those cell phones I just mentioned can now perform almost as many functions as our desk top or lap top (perhaps we should call them ear tops, or belt tops!). Therefore, communication has become a consistent need and a constant effort. The Chamber sends weekly emails to the entire Partnership, and even more to targeted groups. Folks can even sign up for programs via email, and with our new and improved web site, the sky will definitely be the limit when communicating information.

But it doesn’t stop there. This blogspot will allow your humble Chamber president (with an occasional guest appearance from other Staff or chief volunteers) to discuss pertinent issues affecting the business community. I will espouse pro-business ideology, while utilizing the free space to deliver additional detail as to why the Chamber has chosen – or in some cases, not chosen – a specific stance. My hope is that the information will help you to make informed decisions on issues, or at the very least, feel as though you are connected to the Chamber.

Jeff K. Sandford, IOM
President & CEO