Your Chamber
Hello fellow Chamber members! I look forward to serving the organization
in the coming fiscal year 2010-2011.
At approximately 1,200 members, the Columbia Area Chamber of Commerce
is the largest trade organization in Central Missouri. Our organization
grows dynamically through its diverse membership mix. The Chamber
fosters interaction of large corporations and small companies, of
independent contractors and entrepreneurs with tenured employees of
established firms, of business risk takers with those that are risk
adverse, of creative minds with those that desire conformity -- all
of these independent influences come together for a balanced approach
to community business issues.
I have witnessed firsthand Chamber committees and the Chamber Board
of Directors deliberate sensitive community topics that are presented
with passionate and pragmatic conviction from different perspectives.
I am continuously impressed that these enlightened and energetic discussions
are typically concluded with a diplomatic solution that benefits the
entire Chamber membership. It is a business decision.
Recently, the Chamber has reached beyond its historical comfort zone.
It is what the times demanded. We are thankful for the leadership
provided by those willing to take that initiative. The result is that
even in the current stressed economic environment affecting this region,
volunteerism among our members remains strong because the relevancy
of the organization to its members remains high. The financial contributions
of existing businesses to this community’s well being is now
recognized by political leaders at awareness levels seldom, if ever,
enjoyed during the past 25 years. Business is good for Columbia. The
word is spreading. Equally important, we clearly want it to be known
that Columbia is good for business. These two messages must be linked
to be meaningful.
Doors of opportunity swing open for any member willing to become engaged
in a Chamber activity. Through increased membership and increased
activity among current members, we can continue to improve the area’s
business climate. Nobody is resting on past achievements. Each fiscal
year brings new challenges. Fiscal year 2010 through 2011 will be
no different.
What can be different is this: each member brings unique backgrounds,
ideas, and leadership traits to the discussion. Please be an active
participant in the Chamber of Commerce this year and go a little further.
Consider recruiting an additional member. People want to be asked,
by someone they like and respect. Your encouragement will help new
members advance their own business growth through interaction with
other businesses while improving the community. You can strengthen
the link.
Paul Land
Plaza Real Estate Services - Commercial Division
Chair of the Board of Directors, 2010-2011
Columbia Chamber of Commerce
