January 17, 2008

Chamber Connection

A good 2007… and an even better 2008

By Pat Dando
President & CEO, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce
Special to the Times

As with all beginnings, we often take a moment to reflect on the past and prepare for the future. The year that just ended, 2007, was filled with successful new San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce programs, continued financial growth and stability and significant legislative accomplishments.

In 2008, those programs will grow and our focus on small business engagement, membership retention and relevance will positively affect our member businesses and community.

We begin this year with a renewed commitment to actively reach out to small businesses through targeting marketing efforts and the new Chamber 101 Lunch and Learn series. The formation of a Young Professionals Group will address the needs of the emerging leaders of our community through social and professional networking activities.

We will take an even more active role with the Neighborhood Business Associations through cooperative advertising options and introduce Business Referral Networks in geographic areas, which need them. Our recently expanded Advocate newspaper and new in 2007 weekly Member Highlights offer members a variety of affordable and effective marketing vehicles.

We will continue to broaden the scope of opportunities for Chamber members with expanded networking events and access to legislative leaders. The CEO Roundtable and strengthened Ambassadors program are valuable members-only resources, which provide business-building tips, individual mentoring and peer feedback for both the new and veteran business owner. As a charter partner of www.businessownerspace.com we are proud to support and promote this one stop collaborative Web site, which houses a wealth of information and resources for prospective and existing San Jose area businesses.

Through our annual Access trips we will again take the voice of business in San Jose to the decision makers in Sacramento and Washington, DC. And, as the health care needs of all of our members continue to be a challenge, we will continue to work at the local and state levels on the complex issues of health-care reform.

These are just a few of the programs and activities planned for the months ahead, and I encourage you to stay tuned to all Chamber publications for more information on opportunities and activities to help you grow your business and build your community. As we work to attract, retain and develop business in Silicon Valley, the Chamber will continue to play a critical role in advocating for measures that lay the foundation for a strong local economy and an outstanding quality of life for everyone in the greater Santa Clara Valley.