Value without Involvement
From the CEO's Desk
CEO/President's Message, August 2010
By Debi Bray, Chief Executive Officer/President
Madera District Chamber of Commerce

Over the last few years the Chamber has offered “Value without Involvement” for the membership by strengthening many of our programs to provide additional benefits to you.  We continue to look at these programs and this fall will announce a new program in the form of cost savings for you when purchasing your office and business supplies.  Also in the works is a member rewards program.  This may take some time but know that we are working to provide you with the best value that we can in all that we do.  We would also like to make strong improvements on our member-to-member discount program. 

One of the reasons we placed such an emphasis on the “Value without Involvement” was that many of our members found it difficult to take the time to attend mixers, workshops, membership luncheons, etc.; attendance at events such as these experienced a low turnout as well.  We all became so entranced with social networking through electronic means – e-mail, Facebook, websites, webinars, Twitter, etc. which are all great networking tools and offer great results.  Recently I have had many of our members ask about mixers and events that would provide them personal, face-to-face networking opportunities.  So now it is time to implement some new events, and perhaps bring back some old ones, to provide our members with a forum to meet with others, “live” and in person.  I hope as we do this that many of you will participate and find that these are gainful opportunities.  While marketing trends change and businesses must keep up with these trends, the one thing that never changes is the personal contact with others being the best sales tool. 

Starting in October we will host a series of luncheon and/or morning sessions with Dale Bierce of Sandler Training, who will offer some outstanding (and timely) marketing strategies and training.  Just a few of the topics to be covered are:  “Finding Time to Sell” (developing new business), “When You Wear All the Hats”, “Tough Selling Strategies for Tough Times”, “I’m A Small Business, How Do I Compete in a Big Market?”,  and “Everybody’s Working But Sales Aren’t Increasing, What’s Missing?”  This will be a low-cost event and I hope that you will all consider taking advantage of these opportunities. More information will be sent to you regarding these sessions.

We continue our efforts to enhance your membership with the Madera Chamber of Commerce.  As always your input, suggestions, AND participation are always needed and wanted.  Please do not hesitate to contact me at dbray@maderachamber.com or phone (559) 673-3563.

Thank You’s…

Thank you for working so hard and putting on a great Award Dinner on my behalf.  I think everything went very well.

Thanks again, Johnny Deniz

2010 Senior Farmer of the Year

I want to thank everyone for giving me the honor of being the (2009-10 Lifetime Achievement) scholarship recipient.  This award will allow me to further my education.  My son and I will always be thankful for this opportunity.

Sincerely, Diana Arvizu & Baby Julian

2009-10 Lifetime Achievement Scholarship Recipient

Thank you so much for the Madera District Chamber of Commerce “Salute to Agriculture” Scholarship.  With graduation already here and college around the corner, you can be certain that the scholarship check will be exceptionally helpful in paying my college tuition.

Sincerely, Jazmine Jackson

2009-10 Salute to Agriculture Scholarship Recipient

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