GailSherman@chicopeechamber.org

- Chamber Staff - Board of Directors -

A Message From Gail Sherman - President

Recognition and support - those are two words that speak volumes. And they are two words that encompass the meaning of Chamber membership. As members, we are seen, we are heard, we support others in the community and we support the Chamber itself. The chamber does not exist without all of you.

Forty eight years ago a hand full of business people knew of the strength in numbers. They knew that a group is so much more powerful than each individual member. They knew that a Chamber of Commerce would provide a vehicle through which a strong business voice could be heard. This is why you are a member. You are all a part of that voice. And through that strong voice your chances to win are ignited.

We all watched as citizens carried a torch across our country with pride and with a sense of commitment. That torch arrived in Vancouver and fired the cauldron that sparked a common purpose throughout the world. Competitors gathered with one goal in mind. Their goal was to win. That spirit of competition is also why we are members of our Chamber of Commerce. We all want to win. When we do, the region wins. When your business succeeds, the region succeeds and a strong business environment is created.

None of us succeed in a vacuum. We need one another to measure ourselves against. We thrive on challenges. We compete with one another; but we need one another in order to survive.

Chamber members are a part of the fuel that feeds the economy. They want to make connections with other business people who will enhance their chances to succeed. By doing this, they fuel the fire within - not only within themselves and their businesses; but also within the Chamber. They bring their light to the Chamber and the Chamber lights the way to networking opportunities, to discounts on products and services, to a referral system, to education and information about issues that impact their businesses, to a system of support and guidance and finally to the strength and power that keeps us all focused on a greater cause.

Keep supplying that fuel. Stay committed to the chamber and encourage others to join and get involved in something greater than them. In doing so, they will also succeed. In this year, this 45th anniversary of the Chamber, let's reaffirm the commitment that was made 45 years ago. Hear the challenge, carry the torch, be a stronger voice in the community. Pass the torch to others. Let's build our strength by attracting more businesses to our fold. In doing so, we will be stronger - you will be stronger.