Letter from the Chair - May 2016

​You will all be happy to know that I haven’t needed a Band-Aid in a while, but I’m still Bleeding Blue! Thank you to the 200 of you that were able to make our meeting last week at Morning Star Church. I thought Richard Flint did a great job of informing and entertaining us! I hope you all enjoyed the program as well.
 
As you know, your Chamber is diligently working on our 2020 Strategic Plan priorities to ensure that we are the best organization possible. At last week’s Finance Committee meeting it was brought up that not all of our members know that we own the Chamber office building and so it might be confusing as to why we have added a voluntary capital campaign item on membership invoices. Great point! Yes, in fact, the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is very proud to have purchased our building in May 2012, built out the interior to be conducive for our needs, and moved in October 2012. While the purchase was the right move financially, we still do carry a loan balance of just over $160,000; which is where the voluntary contribution comes in. One of the 2020 Strategic Plan priorities is to reduce the debt from the building. Each contribution made to the Chamber through the voluntary capital campaign fund will be put towards the principal on our office.
 
Okay, enough of the serious stuff. If you don’t have plans for Cinco de Mayo yet, this Thursday, be sure to call Sara at the Chamber Office for more information about the Cardinals Game with O’Fallon Young Professionals Network- don’t worry they accept those of us who are nearing AARP age (we can afford to buy more drinks)! For only $35, you will be chauffeured to the game on a chartered bus, enjoy the game and then board the bus to come back home, as an added bonus you might get to know some great young professionals along the way. If you can’t spend the whole day out of the office, be sure to check out some of our great Mexican restaurants to make the most of your Cinco de Mayo.
 
Until next month,
Mark Crank
2016 Chairman of the Board

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