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March 21, 2024
Exploring the Chamber archives, I recently found this guest editorial published by the Grand Island Independent more than two decades ago.
The headline grabbed my attention as it exclaimed: “Don’t get ripped off by the Chamber.”
The author, Joe Wicks, wrote that he had complained for years he wasn’t getting enough value from his Chamber membership. He also admitted that during those years, he had not participated in Chamber events, activities, or programs.
A career change prompted Joe to get more involved with the Chamber-organized Harvest of Harmony parade. That involvement opened his eyes to more of the services, events, and expertise available to Chamber members.
"I finally learned that a chamber is only as valuable as you let it be," Joe wrote. He confessed he was the one who had been "ripping off" himself during those earlier years because he wasn’t engaged.
As your new Chamber president, I want to use this opportunity to encourage you and your business to get more involved with your Chamber, if you’re not already. If your engagement has fallen off in recent years, especially after the pandemic, now is a great time to get re-engaged — because a lot of big things are happening in Grand Island!
Make sure you’re taking advantage of the Chamber's offerings, including:
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Professional development initiatives, like our EDGE program;
- Information services, like the Chamber’s weekly newsletter (sent every Monday) and our “Partner News” e-blasts;
If you’d like me or another Chamber staff member to visit your business, email me at [email protected], or call my cell at (402) 418-1021. We can arrange a time for a visit.
Finally, I want to encourage all partners to take this brief and anonymous survey so we can gather your thoughts on the Chamber and its services. The feedback will help us enhance member services. Deadline to take the survey is 5 p.m., Friday, March 29.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Chamber and everything you do to advance Grand Island’s business community. You can be proud that Grand Island is on the move and on the rise. You're making it happen!
Regards,
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