Dear Chamber Members,

2009 Looks to be a tumultuous year. With unemployment high and the economy in a tail spin, our nation’s government is looking to spend billions of dollars (maybe a trillion) to get us on track. We need to look locally at what makes our community strong and what will help our small corner of the world.

Chairperson: Mark Gurnow, Forest Dunes Golf Club

As business operators and owners we are looking at how we can make certain our businesses survive tough times and how we can be ready for the healthy economic times of the future. It is easy to look for short term savings such as cutting memberships in community and civic organizations and contributions to local charities and causes; but is it wise to make those kinds of cuts? I  submit to you that organizations like your Chamber of Commerce are key to helping a community survive the tough times and thrive in the good times. Now is not the time to save a few dollars by dropping your chamber membership. Now is the time to make your membership investment and help your community grow for the future.

Your Chamber needs you to not only be a member, but be an active member. Participate in community events, volunteer for a committee; offer your services to your Chamber and other civic organizations. The Chamber belongs to you, the member, and to the community.Your Chamber and your community needs your member now more than ever. If you are a member, thank you. If you have been a member but have not renewed, make the investment for the future. If you have not been a Chamber member, there is no better time than now to support your community by making the investment in a Chamber membership.

Your fellow Chamber members thank you for your support.