Chamber Vision January 2014 | Page 5

Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau towards achieving our purpose and how much of our work is “busy”. I heard this story over three years ago, and that comment about achieving our purpose or just being “busy” has never left my mind. I question how much of what we do here at the Chamber is busy work. I believe that we are busy, but in a purposeful way. However, it is easy to get off track and forget what is important to you, our members. We have members who represent all sectors of our community, each with varying needs to grow and prosper, but in the end I believe we all want Emporia to be a community in which we can live, work and raise our families. We are committed as an organization to continually ask you what we can do to help your business grow. My charge to you is to let us know your thoughts. How can we be more purposeful in meeting your needs as a member? Remember our mission is “To be proactive in creating an environment for business and community success”. All we do needs to be based around our mission. I look forward to hearing what you have to say. We are kicking off the year with a lot of programs. Some you are familiar with, but will look and feel different. We know legislative issues are important to our members’ success, so we will continue to have forums and give you the opportunity to meet with them. These forums will be called Dialogues instead of Eggs and Issues. They will be held throughout the year! And it is our hope that they will be just like their names – a dialogue. Our first will be Saturday, January 18th. Be watching for more information. Our Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, January 24th this year, so mark your calendars for Emporia’s premier event. It will be held at the newly remodeled Webb Hall in the Memorial Union at ESU. Our Spring Expo is also just around the corner, so be sure to get your space reserved. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business. We also have some great new exciting programs and events. Do you like our new digital newsletter? We sure hope so! It will continue to evolve over the year, and we will print a copy once a quarter. Be watching for the new 3D Competition. This is an idea competition for any ESU and Flint Hills Tech student, and is a great new partnership between our office and the School of Business at Emporia State. We will continue to be purposeful in asking you your thoughts and opinions on how to grow our community, and we will listen. You want us to represent you on interests that affect your business. Our bottom line is to provide value to your membership. It is a great day in Emporia; please tell someone! January 2014 5 Your investment in the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau is a sound business decision, good for your business and good for our area and community. We feel strongly that our program is designed for you, and that you will be satisfied with your investment. We Guarantee it!