A year ago this month the economic forecast and financial pundits who were painting a pretty gloomy picture all seemed to think that about the earliest we would begin to see the end of the economic downturn would be sometime in the fourth quarter of 2009. Well guess what? We are now entering the fourth quarter of 2009 and most would agree that we are finally seeing some good signs regarding the economy. In fact, there are even some days where there is more good news than bad and that is VERY encouraging!
With nine months of 2009 behind us and only three more to go, we are all hoping that the momentum continues to build and that by the time folks are ready to do their Christmas shopping the air is filled with laughter, the sound of music, and the ringing of cash registers! There is no question that many of us have had a pretty difficult time over the last year, and while we do not want to let our guard down completely, neither do we want to not be encouraged by the very real possibility that relief is finally in sight.
As an organization, the Chamber of Commerce has had to deal with many of the same issues as those facing our customers. And like many of you, we decided early on not to get bogged down in the doom and gloom; rather the leadership, staff, volunteers, and members have remained optimistic and have been a true blessing to each other. Instead of cutting back on the Programs and Services we provide, we have been aggressive at developing both short term and long term ways to add value to a Chamber Membership Investment. We have had over 80 new businesses join the Chamber so far in 2009 and we see no sign of that slowing down. Instead of cutting back in our outreach to new members, we have added Lou Ann Twitty to our staff as a Membership Account Representative. She is making contact with prospective members each and every day and the response has been very enthusiastic. Just like in your business, increasing our customer base is crucial in order to continue offering an exceptional return on your investment. Lou Ann and her efforts will play a crucial part in our growth. Her understanding of the Chamber, her enthusiasm for helping people, and her passion for meeting new people and making new friends is contagious.
How can you help? That is easy; do you know someone who can benefit (or someone who is already benefiting but perhaps not yet made an investment) from being a partner with us at the Chamber of Commerce? If so, how about asking them to join you in supporting the Chamber? If you want us to call on them, we would be happy to follow up with them personally to let them know of the many ways a business can benefit from being a part of your Chamber. Let us know if we can use you as a personal reference; that is mutually beneficial.
Be sure to keep an eye on your weekly update from the Chamber to see who has joined us. Each week Anita provides all of their contact information in case you want to send them a quick note or email to welcome them aboard. And while there are times when we look into our economic crystal ball and it looks a little hazy, I would suggest that the future is getting brighter and brighter with each passing day. And in only 90 short days, we will be saying goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010. These last nine months have flown by and I am sure the next three will as well.
Continued success, Mark |
