Chamber News...

From the Director’s Desk

Those of you who have driven children to visit relatives or on a vacation have often heard the questions, “Are we there yet?” and “How much longer will it be?”. My response, regardless of the distance remaining, usually has been “We’re almost there. It’s not too much farther. Hang on.” I must admit that, in moments of exasperation or boredom, I’ve asked the latter question when attending an event or two of my wife’s choosing.

Lately, I’ve heard those questions relative to the national primary election campaigns. And, I have been asked that question by some of our member business owners who are experiencing frustration working their way through the current economic doldrums. I don’t know of a GPS type instrument that pinpoints the location and displays the route, distance, and time to the bottom of the slump and the certain turn of the corner.

I do, however, have an answer that can help many of us. It requires some discipline and, perhaps, some sacrifice. That is to buy local and, if possible, buy Chamber. From A to W in the Chamber’s Member Directory and Buyer’s Guide (we have yet to identify a Z category in our yellow pages) you can find good businesses for just about any product or service. An added plus is that the odds are that the employees of other businesses are somehow connected or related to your employees. Spouses of your employees who are retained in their jobs will improve your retention rate as well.

For our part, the Chamber will continue to host networking events to help you find new customers or suppliers. Some are in the early morning, some at noon, some in the early evening, and some in the afternoon on the golf course. All are excellent business opportunities. We will continue to buy from local Chamber members and refer inquiries to Chamber members. And, we will continue to advocate and work hard to affect legislation and regulations that provide positive benefits to business.

Thank you for your dedication and support.

George