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Message from the Chairman Amy Ahanotu Redwood Credit Union |
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There are a lot of misconceptions about the Chamber. For example, there are those who believe the Chamber gathers statistics, prints nice brochures, visits new businesses, answers inquiries and advertises what a great place the area is to work, live, and enjoy life.
They are right, up to a point. We do all those things, and proudly so. All of those jobs are important, but they are not why a Chamber is here. The primary functions of the Chamber go far deeper than those niceties. The Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst - a common vehicle through which business and professional people work together for the common good of the community.
A better community means better business conditions and a better community for everyone. That is why we do what we do. This brings us back to that original question: What do we do? There is, in the final analysis, one reason for the Chamber to exist and that is to do whatever is necessary to keep the area's economic condition at a level where businesses will risk their resources here in hope of making a profit - everything else is just frosting on the cake.
In any community, it is from the profitable operations of business that all other benefits are derived. Only by succeeding in this fundamental goal can we provide jobs and produce the wealth to finance all the governmental, civic, educational, cultural, and charitable needs that our community is faced with every day.
This means we must put forth the energy, face our challenges, and find solutions that bring success for the community.
This leaves one final question: Who is this "we" that does all this? "We" are you. The Chamber member and all of your business and professional friends who are also Chamber members.
You are the Chamber of Commerce. You provide the ideas, the drive, the goals, the funds, and the voluntary services to keep the Chamber doing what it does. You are the Chamber and without you, there would not be any Chamber.
I thank you for your support and commitment to our community's economic growth and development by investing in the Rohnert Chamber of Commerce.
