Text Box: 2008 Chamber Officers, Directors:   Chairman  Steve Padgett   Chair-Elect  Mark Hudson   Secretary Larry Fox   Treasurer Shannon Kennedy   Past Chairman Roger Holland   Board of Directors Ted Alexander Suzanne Amos Janet Berry Martha Bivins Dr. Bruce Boyles Larry Corry Darlene Davis Charlie Holtzclaw Dr. Linda Hopper Kitty Hoyle Mark Hudson Allen Langley David Schweppe Seth Stevens Sandy Tallant Dr. Steve Thornburg Rick Washburn John Young

Text Box: InterAction Text Box: Has the economy really slowed down?  Has your business been affected?  Are you considering cutting expenses?  Have you considered the importance and value of your Chamber membership?   Business owners have always been concerned about how they spend their money and time.  Yet while industry and professional affiliations are valuable to a business or organization, a Chamber of Commerce membership provides a localized mission and offering of benefits needed to help a business grow and prosper.   With this understanding, it is clear that a Chamber of Commerce membership is a necessity, not a luxury.  This is especially true during a soft economy.  A Chamber membership is more valuable than ever in an intensely competitive marketplace.  A recent study determined that consumers are 63 percent more likely to buy goods and services from a company they believe is a local Chamber member.  The study also revealed that 51 percent of consumers are more aware of, and 57 percent are more likely to think positively of, a business’ local reputation, if those consumers are told that the business is a local Chamber member.   Certainly it is tempting for businesses to cut back on activity during an economic downturn, but Chamber members could gain a competitive edge by not only keeping their membership, but also by becoming more involved in the Chamber.  I encourage our members to attend more networking events, consider hosting an event to accommodate members’ varying needs, and take advantage of professional development opportunities offered by the Chamber.  Gain an edge over the competition.     Steve Padgett                       

Text Box: May 2008

Text Box: Quick Links Text Box: Letter from the Chairman

Text Box: In This Issue:

Chamber Homepage

Chamber Calendar

Community Calendar

Business Directory

Member Services

 

Do the Best Companies Join Chambers?
Business After Hours

Tourism News

Banner Ad Sales

Cleveland Women's Network

Letter from the Chairman

Ambassador Spotlights

Going Green in the Workplace

Community News

Event Pictures

Renewals /
 New Members
Referral Summary
Thank You Corner

Upcoming Events