It is the kind of question that lingers in the back of people's minds, somewhere in the vicinity of the one about why do things that
taste good make us gain the most weight or the one that nags us about why we
never can be clever enough to invent that thing that makes its creator rich and
leaves us wondering why we didn't think of it first. The question? What does
the Chamber of Commerce do, anyway?
OK, if that particular question isn't stuck in your head
somewhere we still have an answer that you might find enlightening, even if it
won't inspire you to invent that next big thing or lay off the chocolate.
The Chamber's motto provides part of the answer to that
question: Connect, communicate, collaborate. But its actions are where the
complete answer can be found. I was reminded of this recently while preparing
for a presentation to the Maple Valley City Council. Each year, the Chamber
requests a grant from the city to reduce some of the rental costs for Chamber
luncheons held at the city's Lake Wilderness Lodge. In exchange, the Chamber
performs functions on behalf of the city, such as visitor information services.
As I dug deeper I began to feel a little like those people who tell me about
the $10 bills they find in pockets of seldom-worn coats: pleasantly surprised
and eager to check other pockets.
Even before I began my research I could easily recite many
worthwhile things the Chamber does for its members and the community. We all
know about the annual Hooked on Fishing Derby at Lake Wilderness, which is a
little like Christmas in April for kids and adults who can't wait to bait. And
then there is the Wacky and Wild Golf Tournament at Lake Wilderness Golf Course,
an event that even non-golfers look forward to. There is this month's Prime Time for Business Expo and the many
ribbon-cutting ceremonies arranged by the Chamber to launch new businesses or
celebrate grand reopenings. But as I began to search through the Chamber's
other "pockets" I was rewarded with the equivalent of more $10 bills.
Check this out: Printing and distribution of business
directories and area maps; economic development efforts in coordination with
the Maple Valley Economic Development Council; creation of business incubator
offices and satellite office suites as part of the Chamber offices in Maple
Valley Center; continuing education through "Lunch and Learn" sessions and
guest speakers at membership luncheons; information services for visitors,
newcomers and residents of the area; advocacy for local businesses and
community organizations through contact with local and state government; and
civic involvement through sponsorship of candidate forums, school events, participation
in local and regional committees and task forces and by establishing and
maintaining communication with elected officials. The list goes on and on.
At the heart of the Chamber's efforts is the tireless work
performed by its two paid staff members and its dedicated core group of
volunteers. The energy and spirit of these folks is immense and infectious. So, if you're in need of information that
could help your business, organization or even your own family, give us a call.
We are here for our community and willing to help - without question!
Added on 09/16/2011
Filed Under
President's Message by Chamber blog
