Dear Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Member,
Lawrence is open for business! We have learned in recent times how essential a vibrant and growing business community is to the overall health of our community. The numerous challenges of the past several years have galvanized your Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff. Your Chamber is steadfast in its mission and has embraced its role as the leading business voice in our community. 2010 will be an important year as your Chamber pursues its mission and goals.
We all know the challenges that global, national, and local economic factors present as we pursue vibrant economic growth in our community. Your Chamber will face these challenges and, in cooperation with our strategic economic development partners, the University of Kansas, the City of Lawrence, and Douglas County, will energetically pursue opportunities to enhance economic vitality for the enrichment of our community.
The Chamber Board of Directors has prepared an ambitious program of work for 2010. While the Chamber Board of Directors and Chamber staff will be involved in implementing this program of work, Chamber membership involvement is critical to achieving our goals. There are many ways you can support your Chamber and its efforts. I encourage you to:
- Find a Chamber committee to serve on.
- Attend the numerous and exciting Chamber events.
- Support local elected officials implementation of policies and investments to spur economic growth.
- Support our local Chamber businesses with your purchases.
These are just some of the ways you can assist the Chamber as we work to improve our community. If you have thoughts, suggestions, questions, or comments about the Chamber and issues important to your business, please feel free to contact me or Chamber CEO, Tom Kern (865-4422; tkern@lawrencechamber.com) or any of the Chamber staff and Board of Directors.
Lawrence is open for business! The Chamber is as well! The Chamber, as the leading business advocate in our community, will continue its aggressive efforts to grow our local economy. We hope to have you apart of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.
Matthew H. Hoy
2010 Chair, Board of Directors