This is crazy — I cannot believe this is the last article that I will write as President of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce. As I end my 25 year run working for the chamber, it is bittersweet. It is definitely hard to say goodbye to the co-workers, contacts, and friends that I have made during this time. I will take my memories (and 25 years of stuff that I have collected in my office — it is a lot) with me and stay in touch with as many as I can.
I have learned so much from so many and I thank you for that because it is knowledge that I take with me into my next endeavor.
I wish I could list here all of the people, chamber members, board members — past and present, and community leaders that have contributed to my tenure at the TriCounty Chamber and the success of the organization. It takes a community, and your chamber is a community. As a member you make a choice (the right one) to be part of a membership organization. You pay membership dues to be part of your chamber community and as a result you are given access that non-members do not get. Take advantage!
As we move into a New Year and I move onto my next chapter, I encourage all businesses, if already a member of a chamber, to take a moment and set a goal for your team and your business to take advantage of one member benefit that you have not used before or attend one of the many events planned for 2025 that you have not attended before and add a few pages to your own TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce story.
Not yet a member? Make 2025 the year you give membership a chance and take advantage of the opportunity to grow your business that a membership provides.
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, (our industry’s professional association) just released the results of a public opinion poll on “The Impact and Value of Chambers of Commerce.” A few of the findings included — 81% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber of commerce is a trusted resource and partner for businesses and 91% feel that their local chamber has an impact on growing businesses locally. This study shares what I have continued to state during my 25 years in the chamber world!
Don’t have a business? You can still do your part — something we have always promoted at the chamber — remember your ABCs! ABC stands for Always Buy Chamber. As we are all consumers, remember this holiday season, and honestly all year long, to support the small businesses in your community. The businesses that are employing your family or neighbors, the businesses that are donating their goods or services to local non-profits — basket parties, raffles, etc., sponsoring local little league teams, and the list goes on and on.
Take a look at the businesses listed on the TriCounty Chamber Member Directory and see where you can buy an item for a gift this holiday season or buy a gift card at a local restaurant, or don’t forget gift cards or certificates for services that might make someone’s life a little easier this holiday season.
I cannot thank our members and the tri-county community enough for the support, participation, and involvement that everyone provides to the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce — truly the “Best.Members.Ever.”
Please do not hesitate to connect with me on LinkedIn if we are not already connected so we can stay in touch. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!
One final shout out from me to an incredibly special group of people; the chamber team of Melissa Shainline, Hailey Heimbach, Alice Funk, and Angie Mizic-Gallardo — who brought passion and commitment to work every day. I have loved my job and coming to work every day with this team truly has been a privilege.
And, a warm congratulations to Alice Funk who will guide you forward as acting president of your chamber. Alice is excited to share all the great opportunities the chamber has planned throughout our program year.
Source: Berkshire mont
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