Dear Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Member,
Welcome to 2009—one of the most economically and financially challenging years in recent memory. However, where there are challenges there are also great opportunities.
Nationally, the stage is set for a new era and unprecedented changes that will set the course for years of rebuilding. We need to be prepared to control our own local agenda through the Chamber’s annual Program of Work. This program has been under constant study over the past month by the Chamber Board of Directors, staff, and our new leader, Tom Kern. It presents us with a thoughtful and achievable set of goals for the year.
The Program of Work began with active participation by our members, and in numbers, there is strength. The staff is focused to reengage our membership and welcome those returning as members by providing value and by being a relevant partner in the business community.
It starts right here in Lawrence with buying locally. We have seen an increase of retail opportunities outside of Douglas County designed to draw us to spend our dollars away from Lawrence. Those retail tax dollars spent elsewhere will never return to benefit our city, our schools, and our community’s needs. Please consider this when you plan your purchases in the months ahead.
The Chamber’s economic development program for 2009 is ambitious. Our action plan revolves around two central concepts: helping our present employers grow and attracting new industry and technology related commerce to Lawrence. A special focus for 2009 will be on the KU Bioscience initiative. The Chamber along with its economic development partners, the City of Lawrence and Douglas County, will be working cooperatively with KU faculty and staff to move this initiative forward.
Our leadership programs continue to be a hallmark of the Chamber. We will continue to call on Leadership Lawrence alumni to step forward to make an impact by using the tools they have been given to make Lawrence a better place to live, work and raise a family.
There is much work to be done, and together we can make the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce a major contributor to the renewal of our local economy. Thank you for this great honor to serve you. Your Board of Directors, Chamber staff and myself stand ready to work with our members, area businesses and government leaders to achieve great successes for our community. Please contact me with your thoughts and ideas.
Bonnie Lowe
2009 Chair,
Board of Directors
(785) 979-3105