As I write my final newsletter as CEO of Your Chamber, I wish to say Thank You! Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber’s efforts to advocate for business for a strong local economy. Thank you for the leadership of members who allow the Chamber to be a voice at the many needed tables. Thank you for the energy you bring to this community to assure it is strong and viable. It is you the member that makes Your Chamber and your community successful.
It has been a privilege to serve you this year as the CEO of the North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to have worked with the Board of Directors and many Action Teams to hone in on what is needed for this community and this organization going forward.
David Russell, Chair of the Board is actively working with the new Board and leading the progress on the annual goals as they onboard your new CEO David Kelly later this month.
The Education Team led by Hannes Geiger, Merhan Strategic Consulting has already begun to plan Grow Your Business, education series for 2012-2013 in partnership with PGE, the Small Business Development Center, and the Customized Training Center at CCC. Together with many experts who help business succeed, many opportunities for training will be open to you and your employees this next year.
As business is changing so is leadership. Under direction of Gary Young, PGE, Leadership Clackamas County is evolving the curriculum for the class of 2012-2013. Applications are now available for leaders and their associates looking to expand their skills and awareness of leadership and the community. Sponsored by Willamette View, American Medical Response, and Marylhurst University, it promises to be a valuable program in which you should take part.
The Public Policy Team chaired by Ernie Platt, Home Builder’s Association will host well-rounded opportunities for businesses to learn about issues impacting their fiscal and operational productivity. You are always invited to attend but do know, when you cannot be there, the Team is focused on the needs of business to succeed in the North Clackamas Region. Along with the support of the Vision Sponsors you can be assured the voice business will be represented.
For the Manufacturer’s, I invite you to discover the Manufacturer’s Roundtable. Merilee Hinkle, Miles Fiberglass and Composites, will lead this group in meaningful dialog that supports your business. Manufacturing is key to our economic base and Your Chamber is helping to drive the discussion.
The Forum Lunch Team, led by Robert Fowke, Business Efficiency Consulting has already strategized on the topics and dynamic presenters you want to hear to help you frame decision making for your business. Stay tuned for September’s Business in the County.
Thank you too to our Ambassadors. Jennifer Salvatore, West Coast Bank, and this energetic Team raise business networking to new levels with AM Business Connection, Business After Hours, welcoming new business with ribbon cuttings and more.
Your Chamber is going strong for you, your business and this community. I am honored to have been a member for 15 years and to have worked with you as a partner this past year. At the end of this month I will leave here reassured that Your Chamber is well positioned for years of success representing business interests and uniting leaders for a strong future. Best Wishes.
