Chairman of the Board, Samantha Schnoor (Fifth Third Bank)
September 16, 2011
Dear Chamber Members,
Again this year, I would like to begin my annual letter with a very sincere “thank you” to all of our members, volunteers, staff, board of directors, ambassadors and anyone who made any kind of monetary or in-kind donation towards the Chamber efforts throughout the year. 2011 was another turbulent year for our economy, and although this presents difficulties, it also forces people to be thankful for what they have and truly appreciate all the people that contribute to their success. Without your help year after year, the Chamber simply would not exist.
As the summer and our fiscal year draws to a close, I am reflecting on the amazing number of accomplishments that we achieved this year due to your support. We began our successful event season in early June with our 3rd annual Chamber golf outing held at Fox Run Country Club, immediately followed by the always popular Men Who Cook dinner held at the Camp Grayling Officer’s Club. After a short break, River Festival was in full swing, and again this year we had a sold out Craft Show, a record breaking Classic Car Show with 148 entries, and our first ever Cruise Night with over 30 cars. Kid’s Day was again a huge success, growing from 420 children in 2010 to 535 registered children in 2011. We also had great success with our annual H.U.P. Race and Food Court.
In addition to our events, we have also had a great host of sponsors and members for our Business After Hours, Coffee Hours and Spotlight-A-Member programs. Lanice Rutter was chosen as our 2010 Citizen of the Year, receiving three out of the seven nominations submitted. As Executive Director, Traci Cook has participated in some fabulous networking and educational opportunities to further enhance her knowledge base and position at the Chamber, including the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals conference at Crystal Mountain Resort, membership into the Northern Michigan Chamber Network and 1000 Nights’ Initiative, and most recently attended the ESGR Bosslift program in Jacksonville Florida hosted by the Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve.
Without the continued support of our members, none of these things would be possible. So thank you again, and I look forward to working with you to make 2012 even better for not only the Chamber, but our entire community.
Sincerely,
Samantha Schnoor
Chairperson- Board of Directors
Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce