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