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Letter from
the Chair
Welcome to the Greater
Fresno
Area Chamber of Commerce. Each
year we publish the Community Guide and Membership Directory for the
use of our 2,000 plus members. This
is a valuable resource for your business use during 2008.
I am looking forward to
my year as Chair of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. I follow an impressive list
of past Chairs of the Chamber that have done so much to make your
Chamber a leader in the community.
Ruth Evans, the 2005 Chair personally “kick started” the
Chamber Advocacy role with the result that the Fresno Chamber won
the Chamber Advocacy of the Year Award presented by CalChamber. Steve Geil, the 2006 Chair
personally “sold” the voting public on the importance of passing
Measure C, which passed with a 67% approval. Victoria Salisch, the 2007
Chair was a leader in the acceptance of both the City of
Fresno
and
County
of
Fresno
to start the integration of Public Safety Services. Each of these major issues
would not have happened in the last three years without the
involvement of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. I am honored to carry on the
continued success in 2008.
Your Chamber exists to benefit its members and our community. Without it members of the
Chamber could not have achieved the successes of the past few years. We want our members to
realize how truly important they are to us. The Chamber offers something
for everyone in the community. The
following is a few examples:
ADVOCACY - The Chamber can be
your advocate on City, County, State and Federal legislation that
directly affects your business.
Visit www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com
to respond to surveys, send letters to elected officials or attend
the monthly Governmental Affairs Council meetings. During 2007, your Chamber
represented many local businesses on issues such as fee increases,
homeless issues, redistricting, health care and four-day work week
to name just a few.
INVOLVEMENT – The Chamber has many
committees that members can participate in; such as the Ambassadors,
Business Education and Ag, Water and Environmental Committees. Members can participate in
various events; such as Business After Hours, monthly Mixers and the
many other annual Chamber events held each year. All of the above are perfect
areas to meet new members, network and pursue marketing
opportunities. All
members can benefit from the Member Advantage Program, which
provides discounts on items of value to members; such as health
insurance and discounts at Office Depot. Most members realize savings
in excess of their Chamber dues through these great programs. In addition, many educational
seminars are also sponsored by the Chamber each year. The Chamber also provides
great community stewardship through honoring individuals and
businesses throughout our community.
Your Chamber is working
hard every day for you and requests your continued support and input
to sustain the future growth of the Chamber. As the old saying goes –
“You get out of it, what you put into it.” Stay involved in your own
way. Whether you simply
pay your dues, get involved with the committees, become a
Chairman’s Circle member or join the Chamber Board of Directors,
you are important to your Chamber.
Together, we can continue the past successes and strengthen
the Chamber’s presence in
Fresno
County
and beyond.
Ray Dunn Chair of the Board,
2008 RWDConsulting
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