Dear Fellow Chamber Members
We are past the half-way point in 2010, and the overall economic recovery is slowly rebounding. I am sure our Chagrin Valley businesses are seeing some signs of "economic life" and have a positive outlook for the remaining year. As we continue to recover over the next several years, it becomes increasingly obvious to me that the Chamber's Meet Me @ Five and Breakfast with the Chamber are key programs to help businesses network and provide valuable education sessions. Our attendance at the Meet Me @ Five networking programs has been approximately 35 to 45 people per program, and attendees have had the chance to meet business people of varying backgrounds. The Breakfast education sessions have been well-attended, and they have included a wide range of topics, such as goal setting, financial advice, marketing, and tax preparation.
The Chamber Business Show held earlier this year, which was sponsored by the Chagrin Valley, Chardon, Burton, Chesterland, and Middlefield Chambers of Commerce, offered a great opportunity to see and meet business owners throughout the Valley. The Chamber will continue to implement exciting programs and business opportunities that will benefit our members throughout the rest of 2010.
One of the highlights of this year has been the implementation of a more interactive web site. Darci Spilman and Holly Passalacqua have diligently worked to make our web site "user friendly" and very functional. Steve Dennis, our President Elect, and Terry Boettcher have also provided invaluable input and time in helping the Chamber establish a more dynamic on-line presence.
We have enjoyed another summer Concerts in the Park series, July 4th Celebration, and our Annual Chamber Golf Outing. As summer draws to a close, vacations end, and we prepare for the start of another school year, I hope you will continue to stay involved in the Chamber activities. I wish each of you a successful and prosperous remaining year.
Craig E. Cawrse
President
