Letter from the Chair - September 2016

​When I first thought about what my article would be about this month I figured I would tell you all more information about the Healthy Workplace survey that you received last month, or what the status of the Business Resource Center is; however, then I received a phone call from Erin.
 
Congratulations is in order once again to our organization, as we have been named as the 2016 Missouri Chamber of Commerce of the Year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry! While the official press release will come out later today, this honor looks at what our organization is doing to make our community stronger, including workforce development, transportation, advocacy, and staying responsive to you, our membership. Needless to say, I am honored to be a member of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries, and I hope you are too!
 
I assure you that while these accolades are a great achievement, we are still pushing to continue to serve you and the community in the best way possible. I started this by referring to the survey that was put out by our Healthy Workplace committee. This group has been working for months to learn what these kind of initiatives mean to employers’ bottom line, and how we can bring those kind of results to all of our businesses.
 
Our Business Resource committee is almost ready for an unveiling as well. This group has been working on a website that will help to bring the resources needed for businesses to start on the right foot, and stay there. Although I don’t serve on that committee, from the updates given at our Board meetings, I can tell you that this website will be a top tool for businesses to use.
 
Finally, if you are interested in serving the membership of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries as a member of the Board of Directors, this is the time of year we begin taking applications. Brenda Lowder, our incoming Chairwoman, will be giving more details on becoming a Board member at the membership meeting this month. If you have any questions about what Board service entails, please feel free to contact any of your Board members or Erin.
 
Once again, Congratulations on being named as the 2016 Missouri Chamber of Commerce of the Year!
 
Mark Crank
2016 Chairman of the Board

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