Letter from Lisa Bevens , 2020 Board Chair
To My Fellow Chamber Members :
When we started our business in 2013 , we knew how important it was to budget for membership to our local Chamber . The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce has not disappointed ! Over the years , the programming has developed to be inclusive and pertinent to people and businesses of all backgrounds within our membership . The number of community and member events has increased , truly offering something for everyone . The commitment to become the bridge between business and community has become ever more evident in the cooperative efforts between the Chamber , the City & State leaders , the small business owners , and the community members . The newer programs “ Leadership in the Valley ” and “ Hype ” will further develop our members as people who wish to lead in service , and all these things more than justify a membership with the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce .
But today , I ’ m sitting on a patio and working from home like so many others due to the COVID pandemic and a Stay at Home Order . Never has there been a time laden with so many questions . How can we run our companies this way ? How do we stay solvent through this unprecedented trial ? Keep our key employees ? Get the help that is being offered ? How does this change our trajectory ? What if a version of this is the new “ norm ”?
Because of the dedication of an incredible Chamber team under the strong leadership of our Executive Director , Robin Anthony , many of our questions were answered . They did our homework for us and gave us the A + answers : links on the website with remote working tools , local health updates , & small business resources . Free webinars so that we could hear from and talk to people in government or professionals who really understood the Cares Act stimulus packages . The Chamber worked with our neighbors to develop “ The Great Take-out Rally ,” starting the curbside movement here . They kept members further connected with the “ Chamber Members Unite ” Facebook group , and participated in several videos that encouraged , supported , and acknowledged our efforts to stay strong economically and emotionally . Now that business are starting to reopen , the Chamber is providing help and support for business resumption plans . All of this and more while also keeping up with the regular programming , managing the postponement of events , and making a physical move to a new location on Main Street in Stillwater .
The strength of this non-profit organization serves to protect all that we ’ ve grown to love in our hometowns and has become a beacon of hope and information to small business owners and the communities it serves .
Together , we are VALLEY STRONG ! Sincerely ,
Lisa Bevens Owner , Home to Sweet Home LLC
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