Welcome from the Chair

Maybe it’s no coincidence that as my term as Chamber Chairman begins…the general election campaigns are heating up as well!  Yes, we're hearing more and more rhetoric about jobs and the economy, transportation, health care, government spending, business taxes and so on. I say it is no coincidence, because I have been, and still am, a true believer in The Chamber’s efforts to help our local companies prosper by representing our business issues in front of government, particularly, the work of the ChamberPAC to help elect pro-business candidates to public office and offer solutions to their central campaign issues.

While we respect that there are many different components to campaigns, and many diverse opinions on the issues, this is a matter The Chamber has invested considerable time and energy on.  Better yet, your Chamber has become recognized as a leader around the State of Oregon in the area of business advocacy and its support of pro-business candidates and issues…and it’s an excellent reputation that benefits your business and one I intend to grow upon.

At every level, candidates are getting their basic math wrong. The fact of the matter is, so-called stimulus packages have over-promised and under-delivered in the area of job creation.  The stark reality is that the promise of lower taxes to most taxpayers hasn’t materialized and instead costs to taxpayers look more likely to go up…not down. The assault on your business and my business threatens to undermine the livability of our state. Our citizens deserve better.

The Chamber continues to make progress on the tough issues…during tough times. I'm proud of the central role The Chamber played in the last legislative process and the negotiations that led to the first transportation funding package in years which will improve the infrastructure that increases the capacity for freight and commerce and gets goods to and from our businesses so we might support our families and keep southern Oregonians employed.

This year we also look to grow that influence by growing the number of members in The Chamber.  We have had the good fortune of having two Chamber volunteers break national records for the number of new members recruited over a three-day period of time.  I was lucky enough to be one of those volunteers and I have to say…The Chamber sells itself!  When you just share with somebody the value of all The Chamber has to offer, networking, advocacy, events, tourism promotion, recruiting events and groups to our local hotels and sports parks and more…they realize they can’t afford NOT to join!

Finally, speaking of value, I am excited to light the fuse on an initiative that was endorsed by a Chamber focus group and polling of members (80% approval! Those politicians would love that rating!) and unanimously approved by The Chamber Board of Directors at the May Board Planning Session and that is Chamber 2.0.  We have come to expect our Chamber to lead Chambers of Commerce around the country in all areas…and now improving our electronic communication services is no exception. 
 

Those that know me well know I am not interested in generating more controversy or, for that matter, stress to our members’ lives.  But these candidates and the issues they decide upon directly impact your prosperity. Those same people also know that I’m fond of saying K.I.S.S…..or keep it simple sweetie! It really is simple. Retain your membership and share the benefits of belonging to one of the most respected Chambers of Commerce in the country.  Connect more fully with The Chamber through Chamber 2.0. Utilize your Chamber membership to pull together and move our region forward with the policies and the people that will keep our economy strong and create a place that future generations can enjoy for years to come.

I appreciate the leadership from outgoing Chair, Bruce Hoevet and the Board.  I appreciate the tireless efforts of The Chamber staff to fulfill The Chamber’s mission on behalf of our business community. I appreciate the opportunity you’ve given me to steer the ship for a while…but mostly, I appreciate that you’ve continued to see value in, and support, The Chamber during these very tough times.  It says a lot about our Chamber and it says a lot about our business community.  Thanks for all you do.

Randy Jones
Mahar Homes - Veranda Park