The Future Is Bright

September 4, 2007

The end of summer marks many new beginnings; a new school year, new routines, new products and services, new projects and opportunities and a renewed focus on and commitment to our goals.  The excitement begins – the race is on.  The only question is, do you know where are you going?  There are so many paths to follow, opportunities to pursue, people to know and things to do.  It is easy to spend time, energy and money on things that are not necessarily aligned with your end goal.  Although it is important to enjoy the journey, the destination should always be front of mind.   That is the only way you can assess each component of your plan and either know accomplishment or exercise your flexibility to change.  Once you have developed this clear vision you must be able to communicate it well.  Your ability to share your vision clearly and at any time will allow people to support you and move your goals forward.  These people are all around you - within your business or organization, part of your personal and professional network or in the community at large.    Opportunities for growth and change will present themselves and if you are well positioned you will benefit.

In this region, we are fortunate to be maintaining our manufacturing base in addition to an increasing commercial, tourism and service based sector.  Residential development continues to be a key focus with several exciting projects slated in the next couple of years.  As our economic landscape continues to change and grow – is your business doing the same?  Can you clearly state your vision?  Do you have a well developed plan?  Can you measure results?  Do you solicit feedback?  Are you willing to look at your business objectively and commit yourself to continuous improvement?  What steps have you taken to ensure you are exceeding the expectations of your customers and attracting new ones?  Is your team motivated, well trained and committed to service excellence?  If so, you have demonstrated a passion for what you do and where passion goes, success follows.

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is proud of the businesses who contribute to this community by operating successfully with passion and integrity, providing jobs, creating wealth and improving our quality of life.  In particular, special thanks to the 550 businesses that support the Chamber through membership, sponsorship and volunteerism.  The Chamber’s vision is to be the ‘Voice of Business’.  We are charged with fostering a competitive business environment.  This mission is accomplished by advocating for regulations, taxation and initiatives that stimulate economic development and providing valuable membership services to the business community.  I am pleased to report that the Chamber volunteers work diligently on your behalf on both fronts.  They are well informed and networked and weight in thoughtfully on issues that will impact your business.  The value of this work is immeasurable and allows the vast majority of our business owners and managers the luxury of having their interests well represented with little or nominal effort and investment.  Chamber membership services are designed to assist businesses to do business better with benefits, discounts, referrals, training, marketing and networking opportunities.  Many of these benefits extend to the employees and foster local member to member business.  These quality services can both lower costs and increase sales.  They are provided at nominal cost and require only that members are relatively active and aware.  Your business and your employees can take advantage of . . .

• Group insurance benefits that are accessible and affordable to members with as few as 1 employee
• Merchant services with low rates (1.75% VISA), no hidden fees and outstanding service
• Discounts at ESSO and Petro Can and at over 150 member businesses through the M² program
• Events that are informative, fun and cost effective – do not miss out on our fantastic fall calendar including; the increasingly popular Business After 5 series, Networking Breakfasts and Luncheons, Awards of Excellence Gala, Small Business Week Luncheon Series and Provincial Election Meetings.

You are invited to contact the Chamber office or any Chamber Ambassador to discuss how you can contribute to and benefit from the vision and work of the Chamber volunteers.  You may also visit www.brockvillechamber.com to see a list of benefits, volunteers, upcoming events and other initiatives.  We look forward to working with you to create for this community a future so bright.