What I did last summer or reflections of the first six months

The end of October was the end of my first six months as your President and CEO. In some ways the time has passed really fast and in other ways I can not believe it has only been six months. One of the hardest parts is explaining to people what role I play. Some will ask “Didn’t you do that before?” to which I reply, “No, I was the Chairman of the Board in 2000, and it was a volunteer position.” Then the question comes “What are you now?” and my response, “I am the paid executive.” “What does that mean?” Finally, I reply “I am what Mike Skarr was” and then they understand.

During these six months, I have grown to appreciate the devoted Members we have in the Chamber. The Ambassadors are everywhere - countless ribbon cuttings, helping at Chamber events, networking and always having fun. The committees like Women in Business, Business Advisory Committee, Not-For-Profit Network, and our newest, the Green Leadership Committee, provide programming and educational offering to help our Member businesses become the best they can be. The T.E.A.M.s meeting to exchange leads with other T.E.A.M. Members is what this Chamber is all about, doing business with other Chamber Members can only make us all stronger.

The events these last six months include the Small Business of the Year Awards, the Annual Golf Outing, the 2010 Regional Economic Forecast, the monthly General Membership Luncheons, the monthly WIB Breakfasts, the monthly Legislative Committee meetings and many smaller events designed to provide value, education, networking opportunities and fun to our Members. We work very hard to make sure that every event the Chamber holds lives up to the standards and quality our Members have grown to expect from the NACC.

The accomplishments of the Chamber wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and devotion of the Chamber staff. From day one we have focused on the fact that you, the Members of the Chamber, are the Chamber. We are here to provide for you. Without your investment in the Chamber, there would be no Chamber. We can never say “Thank You” for your membership too many times.

There has been a lot more going on in the last six months, but I don’t have the time or space to include them all. I will close with this statement - It is an honor and privilege to serve as your President and CEO and I look forward to many years to come. Thank you for your Membership.

Sincerely,


John Schmitt
President & CEO
(630)544-3370