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“To promote and support the economic vitality while honoring and preserving the unique lifestyles of our Mountain Communities."
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Archives
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June 06, 2007
June 4, 2007
Vol. 4
Issue 10
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May 16, 2007
April 19, 2007
Vol. 4
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May 02, 2007
April 19, 2007
Vol. 4
Issue 8
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April 18, 2007
March 31, 2007
Vol. 4
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April 04, 2007
March 31, 2007
Vol. 4
Issue 6
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March 21, 2007
February 22, 2007
Vol. 4
Issue 5
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March 07, 2007
February 22, 2007
Vol. 4
Issue 4
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February 07, 2007
January 19, 2007
Vol. 4
Issue 2
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February 21, 2007
January 19, 2007
Vol. 4
Issue 3
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January 17, 2007
January 11, 2007
Vol. 4
Issue 1
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2December 20, 2006
December 19, 2006
Vol. 3
Issue 27
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December 06, 2006
November 16, 2006
Vol. 3
Issue 26
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Puppies, the Homeless, Chambers
Are We Losing the Battle to the Latest Good Cause?
Guest Commentary
Puppies, the Homeless, Chambers — Are We Losing the Battle to the Latest Good Cause?
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Heidi Larkin-Reed, ACE
| Chambers are as important as ever to the community. However, other organizations are pulling at the members’ loyalties.
There are so many good causes, groups and organizations that need help. Business leaders always are asking themselves: should we be part of the chamber or should we assist with the new library or community foundation?
They ask, “Why not help the Boys and Girls Club or the YMCA? After all, my business is doing well, and I should give back.”
How can we sell the value of the chamber when we are up against children, the homeless and puppies?
How often have you heard a member mention they are the chair of the newest non-profit group? Worse yet is hearing a businessperson say they get more “bang for their buck” by donating to the local charity instead of belonging to the chamber. Are we losing the battle?
Finding Your Niche
Businesspeople need to know that, while the new library or senior center is important, the best “cause” is to develop a strong business community.
Business is the heartbeat of a prosperous city. The new library, the senior center or the after school program will not be possible without the strong tax base that a healthy economy brings.
“Just like on an airplane, you put your oxygen mask on first, then take care of others in need,” said Scott Parker, co-chairman of the Orange (CA) Chamber and Visitor Bureau. “Businesspeople need to take care of the chamber first.”
Unfortunately, members sometimes see the chamber as just another good cause. All of these other groups can do just about everything a chamber can do — fundraising, networking, events — but not economic development and political action. This is the chamber’s niche.
Is your board afraid that political action will cause the chamber to lose members? Think again.
Referring to a chamber out of the area, a member said, “If that chamber was still strong in political action, I would be a member. I would have to be.”
And that is the key — they would “have to be” a member.
Not Just Another Charity
Don’t let your members think that your chamber is just another charity or good cause. Offer what these groups can’t — hard hitting political action and pro-active economic development.
You might even consider going so far as to endorse a candidate or two. If you do, I’ll bet you will win back your members, despite all the puppies and other good causes.
Heidi Larkin-Reed, ACE, is president/chief executive officer of the Orange (CA) Chamber.
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A Special Thank You to our 2007 Sponsors!
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Signing off...
I wanted to take a moment of your time and thank everyone who has become a reader, continued as a reader and even some of those who left because you have all helped to improve your chamber newsletter. I actually resigned from my position as Chamber Web Administrator back in March but kept doing the newsletter wearing my other hat “Digital Mirrors” which I have operated with my wife Lisa in the Mountain Area since 2002.
Thank you,
Chris Baker
Send your business news or announcements to:
chambernews@
oakhurstchamber.com
The Chamber E-Newsletter is published on the first and third Wednesday of the month. The deadline (to ensure your submissions makes it in time) is the Wednesday prior to the publish date. NOTE: We reserve the right to edit material submitted to the Chamber.
Important Note: We try to limit 25 to 30 articles per issue. Therefore, articles will be placed in the newsletter on a first-come basis with special consideration to events with dates that take place within the timeframe of the published newsletter.
Basic requirements include the following: 1) Microsoft Word preferred. 2) Non-text items such as pictures, graphics, or tables MUST be no wider than 3.3” in width. .GIF & .JPG only 3) FONT Requirements: Do not uppercase all the words. 4) Include a short summary of the article for the front page of the newsletter. |
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