Ask not what your local Chamber of Commerce can do for you, but what you can do for your Chamber!!
This is a GREAT time in Beaver County to engage in its positive growth and development. In my first column written as the new President of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, I thank you for all that you may have already done, and invite you to further strengthen our combines abilities to deliver on our mission of fostering the best environment in which to live, work and do business. Businesses join the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce as they see value and promise in how it
leads, organizes and drives business / economic/ community development and networking in the Beaver Valley region. But how do members really extract value from their membership? The answer is simple: it’s when they actively engage and connect with other members. Let’s just say this is not a
spectator sport. Jump in to one of our committees, where we collaborate and roll up our sleeves with our members and other like minded organizations, for example:
• Government Affairs: advocates on issue important to the Chamber members and works hard to foster positive working relationships with elected officials at all levels.
• Leadership Beaver County: educates on the most important opportunities, challenges and issues within the region in order to cultivate diverse and well-rounded leaders to carry our community forward.
• Economic Development, with a focus on the Innovation Hub project: to build and operate a community-based destination that provides a proven pathway to job opportunities, mentor-ship programs, low cost co working / flex space and business support resources.
• Pathways (formerly known as E& of Energy & Advanced Manufacturing): connecting students, parents and educators with next-generation career opportunities.
• Chamber Board of Directors: where a diverse cross-section of up to 22 Chamber members are vested in the general governance, finances, procedures and policy-making responsibilities of the Chamber.
The Chamber itself has a small (but mighty!) staff of 4. Over the past 3 months of working with the staff and board on a daily basis, I have learned first-hand how often the phone rings with questions from members and non-members alike about what is happening in our region. This includes people associated with various media (print, broadcast, etc.) asking for insight and commentary on a wide range of subjects. Working days are full with planned work and unplanned diversions and never dull. It
energizes me how this Chamber and its membership are “all in” to help build and promote a community to which residents, business owners, visitors and investors are attracted; to striving to ensure a pro-business climate to anchor future prosperity, to speak as a unified voice of the business community, and to building well-functioning networks to easily connect one another. I personally look forward to finding ways to help our county and its businesses thrive. As I start this new role, I will be out-and-about listening to the many stakeholders in this community to gain a deepened understanding of needs and how the Chamber can engage positively. If you, the reader, would like to learn more about the benefits of becoming a Chamber member, or how our community partnerships and business development efforts are making Beaver County more competitive in attracting and retaining families, employees and enabling economic growth, please visit the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce website at www.bcchamber.com.
