Exec. Talk

By:

Steve Gilmore

The first quarter of the year is behind us and we are pleased that our membership is growing, members are attending events in large numbers, and we are working aggressively on public policy issues to ensure that the south metro region and Wilsonville is a vibrant place to do business.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee hosted the three candidates for Metro Council President, and our members asked challenging insightful questions. One of these three candidates will shape the Metro area for years to come, so this race is extremely important. We hope to provide future opportunities in the future to hear more from these candidates.

Last month I mentioned that the Chamber has over 80 networking events, and since January we have done several firsts on the networking front. Nearly forty Chamber members attended our first ever Speed Networking event at the Conference Center at Stafford Woods and those attendees have encouraged us to hold these events at least quarterly. Everyone walked away from that event with over a dozen new contacts, and I know that several of those contacts have led to business relationships. The Chamber has also instituted a monthly evening event called “The Last Call” Business After Hours and the number of attendees is growing each month. The Small Business University program is a great member-to-member education opportunity, the feedback that we have been receiving has been extremely positive and the numbers of attendees are growing. I would encourage you to take advantage of our networking events as you pay for them with your membership dues.

It is exciting and gratifying all at the same time that our Chamber is flourishing in this down economy. I give all the credit to YOU our members! You have shaped the organization through your investment, voice and involvement. Thanks for all that you do and please let us know how we can continue to help you.