Thoughts from the Chair of the Board...

As I write this I am returning home from a holiday trip to Kentucky, where we spent Christmas with family. In several of the small towns we have passed through I have been struck by the number of small businesses who affiliate with a local Chamber of Commerce.

As we approach the new year, much lies in front of us, challenges and opportunities. We ended the year strong and after our annual dinner, which so many of our members helped to make successful, we hosted, along with the City Club,  our Congressional Candidates Rob Cornilles and Suzanne Bonamici. Both campaigns were quick to accept our invitation and both were eager to know if we endorsed candidates for office, which has not been a practice of our Chamber. We also organized A Wine Country Christmas concert featuring the Humlie Family, great local artists and proud Chamber Members. Both events drew over 100 people and the feedback we have received has been very positive. I want to thank all of the Chamber Board Members for their efforts to organize and support the activities that give entertainment and educational opportunities to members and the community.

With a special Congressional election January 31, a legislative session in Salem starting in February, Turkey Rama etc. in  the mid-summer, political conventions and the London Olympics in late summer and a Presidential election in November; along with all the activities it requires to run a business, pay the bills, raise children and find a work life balance, it will be the holiday season again before we know it. Between now and then the Chamber wants to promote local business and stand up for pro - business policies in governmental and political debate. We have the good fortune of having many great local non profit organizations as members. These organizations know that strong communities and businesses are their best sources of funding and support. Let us help you and your business by letting us know what issues are important to your business this coming year.

Finally, I have been promoting the notion that we can help each other during these tough economic times by shopping with each other, when possible. Several weeks ago I also had a chance to help a Chamber business even when I wasn't shopping for their products. McMinnville Hearth and BBQ is a Chamber member and a great place for fireplace inserts, hearth and BBQ supplies, all of which I have purchased from them in recent years. Turns out a colleague who lives in Forest Grove was looking for a particular product that I know this member carries and I convinced her that a visit to see Ray or Riley at Mac Hearth & BBQ would provide her with quality personal service, a great competitive price and the gift she wanted for her husband. She would tell you her experience was great on each of those accounts and it reminded me that we have many employees and colleagues who come to our community to work. Don't be afraid to recommend one of our local Chamber Member businesses to others. The Chamber is a great promotional resource. other Chamber members are great leads and customers. I hope everyone's holiday was great and I look forward to working with you all during the upcoming year. Happy New Year!

Steve Patterson

Oregon Mutual Insurance

2011-12 Chair of the Board