One of my personal goals for the Chamber is to grow our membership by showing business women and men why they should join rather than asking them or telling them to join.  I want to do the kind of work that businesses value and proactively elect to invest in.  In this day and age of limited budgets, I don't see any other way forward:  we must earn the trust of the business community rather than ask for it or expect it.

I take this mission very seriously and I know my staff and Board of Directors do as well.  We're not in this business for the good of the Chamber, we're in this business for the good of business.  When that message starts to resonate throughout the community as resoundingly as it does within the walls of our offices and meeting spaces, I'll know that our actions are speaking louder than our words.

We're already seeing signs of success.  When a longtime business owner slides me a note during a meeting that says, "I think the Chamber is doing terrific work, please send me a membership application," it's not the sale that makes my day, it's the happy customer.

Businesses join the Chamber for a number of different reasons, but often for one specific reason over all others.  Those #1 reasons vary: 1) networking, 2) exposure, 3) connections, 4) representation, 5) it's the "right thing to do."  For many, the positive outcomes of choosing membership are intangible and unquantifiable. 

If you're not a member, please keep an eye on what we're doing.  You'll see that we work hard in representing you and your needs, in delivering the best networking opportunities possible, in giving you the exposure you need to reach your customers, in connecting you to the people and resources that will move your business to the next level, and in choosing initiatives that you have identified as critical to your success.  That is how we serve you best.  The rest is up to you.

I mean it when I say thank you for your membership.  Nothing shows me that we're on the right track like your trust.

~ Katie
katie@chicochamber.com

Yesterday, we officially kicked off the Chico Retail Market Analysis, sponsored by Tri Counties Bank, with two focus sessions for retailers. Today at 3:30 we'll host a third at Holiday Inn and we encourage all retailers to attend.

If you missed the meetings, here's a sampling of what we want to know:

What are the top advantages and disadvantages you associate with being a retailer in Chico?  In addition to a strong economy, what are the most important factors to your business success?  What types of retail businesses would you like to see Chico attract or grow to improve its retail business mix?  What could Chico retailers do to attract more local and visitor shoppers?

Find our complete retailer questionnaire here.

Not a retailer but have thoughts to share?  Please take a moment to complete our shopper survey.

Be on the lookout for springtime workshops following this analysis explaining the outcomes and applications of this data for retail success.

Later this month, on April 25th at noon, we're co-hosting a training seminar at The Training Place, Butte College, with tips and tools for empowering your employees.  There is no cost to attend - just call 895.9015 to reserve a seat.  Click here for more info.

And, on April 26th, we're hosting another free Lunch Hour event with Senator Jim Nielsen from noon to 1pm at the Chamber.  Email me to RSVP!

As the weather warms us, we're busily planning our Community BBQ scheduled for a new date and location this year: Friday, June 14th at Manzanita Place in Chico.  Call or email Heather Ugie to participate in the St. Louis-style pork rib cook-off, book exhibit space, or sponsor a team or band!  Tickets go on sale soon.  Get ready for some delicious fun in the sun!

~ Katie
katie@chicochamber.com

The Business Spotlight is on Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley was established in 1995 as a call to action from concerned community members who saw a need for the young people of Chico. In 1998, the Chico Clubs merged with the Boys & Girls Club of Paradise to form the North Valley organization. In 2007, the Club opened in Butte County’s Juvenile Hall in Oroville in response to the continuing problem of recidivism, and in 2008 opened a teen center in Oroville to support youth in this community.  Since opening, youth that have been served by the Club have reduced their recidivism from 75% to 29%.

Today, the Club operates nine sites located within Butte County, including three Teen Centers (Chico, Paradise, & Oroville), the Chico Clubhouse, Juvenile Hall, and five school sites in Paradise and Magalia.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley provides direct services to more than 2,000 youth of Butte County; offering wrap around services to many of its youth and their families, fostering positive friendships and adult relationships, and providing a safe place for children to go every day after school.

Their mission is “to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, responsible & caring citizens.” They utilize tested, proven, and nationally recognized programs in five core areas: Character & Leadership, Academic & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. They also offer use of computer labs, summer camps, field trips, college tours, credit recovery, job mentoring, tutoring, a healthy snack and supper daily, service learning, youth led initiatives, re-entry to the population in Juvenile Hall, targeted case management, community service, teen programs, family nights, and more.

Here are some of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley’s successes:

·        100% of members who participate in College Bound were admitted into a college in 2011 & 2012.

·        Members who participate in the SAT Preparation Class had at least a 200 point increase on their final score.

·        Members who participate in Power Hour improve their grade point average by a minimum of one letter grade.

·        In 2010 65% of participating seniors graduated without a plan for college; by 2012 100% of our seniors graduated with 98% going to college.

In 2012 the BGCNV served 2099 youth members and more than 2,500 other youth through special events, dances, and activities in the community and on school campuses.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley have a total impact of $4.0 million a year on our local economy and support 119 people including direct and indirect jobs and households.   Our community and local businesses provide a quarter of the Boys & Girls Clubs' funding.

Many thanks to Rashell Brobst, CEO of BGCNV, Valerie Reddemann, Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, and Audrey Taylor of Chabin Concepts for helping us spotlight the Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley at the Chico City Council meeting on April 2, 2013.

~ Katie

Clean & Safe Chico Moves Ahead

If you watched last night's City Council meeting, you saw a community grappling with tough issues: public safety funding  challenges and sacrifices, redirecting citizen generosity, exploring policy gaps, tackling blight, and addressing social service benefits and needs.  This discussion, though awkward and uncomfortable at times, is integral to maintaining a well-functioning community...and we've only just begun.

Many audience members felt frustrated last night, others were cautiously optimistic.  I imagine that everyone in the room probably felt a mix of both at one point or another. 

 

However, I look at the breadth of topics we covered during this Council study session on cleanliness and safety and I'm proud.  We moved fairly seamlessly from public safety to policy to infrastructure to engagement without a hitch, demonstrating the true interconnectivity of the key pieces of the puzzle.  Many of Council's decisions were building blocks to next steps, such as the decision to return in 8 weeks to look more deeply into the financial and political implications of immediate public safety relief in the downtown core and the ordinances that might serve as additional tools.   Ultimately, we'd like to see a fully funded public safety team in place by December 31, 2013 to address needs throughout Chico.  After all, our members identified public safety as our #1 advocacy priority in 2013...and we took this seriously.

Our Clean & Safe Chico team, largely responsible for framing the topics around action, had some successes last night, too.  We officially launched our generosity campaign to encourage giving to service providers rather than to panhandlers which, studies show, delays individuals from seeking help and attracts panhandlers to our community.  Please, pick up a poster at the Chamber to share this message with your clients, customers, families, and friends.

As much as I want to see change happen overnight, I accept the many baby steps we're going to have to take along the way.  I came across a quote today that affirmed my attitude about our clean and safe efforts: "A positive thinker does not refuse to recognize the negative; he refuses to dwell on it." (Anna Quindlen)

On that note, I encourage you to find your niche within this ongoing mountain-moving endeavor.  Opportunities exist that accommodate every set of beliefs within the framework of our solution-based Clean & Safe Chico model: mentoring, volunteerism, campaign messaging, policy advocacy, etc.  If you need help now, please let me know so that I can communicate your concerns to our City Council.  Or, please get in touch with our decision makers directly.  If you want to help but you're not sure where or how, we will connect you to the project that will help you make the changes you most want to see.

Because these conversations don't stop at the end of the workday, we're all over facebook and twitter: Chico Chamber, Clean and Safe Chico, Respect Chico.  Find us, follow us, and chime in.

~ Katie

katie@chicochamber.com

Let's Talk About The Wins

1.  Following our Clean & Safe presentation on March 5^th, the Chico City Council decided to dedicate their entire March 26th meeting to concerns about cleanliness and safety and what we can do right now to deliver thoughtful and effective solutions.  What’s on the agenda: generosity campaign, Plaza programming, law enforcement, goodwill ambassadors, and other key initiatives.  Stay tuned for details on this important City Council study session and make plans to tune in.  Concerned that we’re only focusing on downtown Chico?  I assure you we’re looking at this from a community-wide perspective.  But, we’re confident that a few successes in the downtown are on the horizon.

2.  Several bar and restaurant owners have been getting together following CSUC’s Community Call for Action to ask “what can we do?”  Believe it or not, with the help of LRT Graphics, they’ve already launched a “Respect Chico” campaign aimed to encourage customers (yes, students) to respect themselves, respect others, respect their community and, bottom line, drink responsibly: respectchico.org.  They planned to roll out their ads and posters in time for St . Patrick’s Day and, well, they’ve done it!  Look in the Synthesis and CN&R this week for a glimpse of their message, and look for posters in their businesses by the end of today -- thank you LRT!  Want to join the conversation and/or support the cause?  Let me know.

3.  The Chico Chico Retail Market Analysis, sponsored by Tri Counties Bank, is now underway following an Advisory committee kickoff meeting this week.  We’re planning three focus sessions to capture your thoughts, experiences, and guidance.  We need your input to generate results that will be applicable to retail success for years to come.  Two focus sessions are set for April 9th -- at the Mall (3:30-4:30pm) and the downtown branch of TCBK (5:30-6:30pm) -- and a third session at Holiday Inn on April 10^th from 3:30-4:30pm.  Pick the date/time/location that works best for you and watch your inbox for an invitation!

4.  The City of Chico continues to improve their permitting process based upon feedback given at our workshop in early December.  Click here to see what’s been done and keep your input coming!

There is so much to be done.  Let’s hang in there, stay connected, and keep up the good work!

~Katie
Katie@chicochamber.com

New Year, New Chamber

Happy New Year to our members, friends, and followers!  Today seems like a perfect day to stop, take a breather, and spend a little time updating our blog -- something I plan to do as often as possible in 2013.

If you know me or if you've seen me from a distance, it's probably pretty clear that I speed along at 60 miles per hour every second of every day.  This is true (just ask the Chamber staff!), but as I've settled in here over these last several months, I've realized that if I'm going to accomplish my entire "to do" list this year, I'd better store up some energy.  More on that later...

Looking back over the monumental year we've had here at the Chamber, I'd like to share my Top 5 Proudest Moments of 2012 (cue sweeping theme music):

1. ADVOCACY: Launching our Business Summit program in January 2012 which will heretofore allow us to set our annual advocacy priorities with input from our members, elected officials, City representatives, and the larger community.  Hear a progress report from this past year and help us set NEW priorities at our 2nd Annual Business Summit on January 31st.

2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Becoming a leader in local economic development efforts and projects.  Our 2012 Business Summit was instrumental in the development of the City's draft Economic Development Action Plan and we are a lead voice in all conversations regarding business retention programs and services.

3. NEW LOOK, NEW ATTITUDE: Re-branding the Chamber with a fresh, colorful, and positive new logo, web site, and vibe.  We're proud of our 100+-year legacy and we're heavily investing in the future of our organization, our member businesses, and our young professionals.

4. VISITOR CENTER: Moving our offices and Visitor Center to the Old Municipal Building.  Nothing freshens things up like a move, and we're much lighter and leaner now than we've ever been.  If you haven't seen our new location, stop by 441 Main Street and check us out!

5. MEMBERSHIP: Revitalizing our member programs and services. The entire Chamber staff, our Membership Committee, and our Board members have been involved in rethinking how we relate to the business community and our members.  We've got our ear to the ground and we hear what you need, want, and think.  We know your business has changed and so have your priorities.  My door is always open and so is my inbox.

6.  CLEAN & SAFE: Okay, I know I said Top 5, but I'll squeeze this one in, too.  Businesses and community leaders have rallied around the significant economic impact of cleanliness and safety in our community.  To advocate for business interests in these conversations, we've met with the City Manager, the Chief of Police, leaders at the DCBA and other organizations, local services providers, and representatives from CSUC.  In December, we went before the Chico City Council to help shape the discussion and to share our priorities.  Look for initiatives to come out of these conversations within the next few weeks.

Now on to 2013....

In January alone, we are hosting two of our largest events of the year: our 75th Annual Dinner on Thursday the 17th (purchase your tickets now!), and our Business Summit on January 31st.  We're also preparing the 2013 Forecast issue of our Business Voice Quarterly (new this year!), and promoting our "Coffee Break with Mayor Goloff"  event on January 24th from 3:30-4:30pm here at the Chamber.

Registration is free for our Summit and Coffee Break.  Don't miss these events designed to help businesses make a bigger impact on local decision-making.  Email me to RSVP.

This month, we're also thanking our outgoing Board members and Chairman, Roger Hart, and welcoming several new members to our Board of Directors, as well as our new Chairman for 2013, Valerie Reddemann with SynMedia and PostMaven.  Our leadership continues to grow and strengthen.

What to expect from us throughout the remainder of 2013?  Well.... A LOT!  We'll continue to host Chamber Business Connections each week as well as ribbon cuttings, open houses, and anniversary celebrations throughout each month.  Look for additional opportunities for casual Q&A with our elected officials each month, as well as workshops and power lunches.  We'll host our annual educational event in April, and our Community BBQ in June (new location and Friday date this year!).

I could go on and on, but I'd better save something for my next blog post!

With that, I'd like to thank you for your continued support of the Chico Chamber and for your involvement in our efforts to make Chico the best place to do business.  Join a committee if you'd to get more involved, or send me your thoughts on how we can do what we do even better.

In the same spirit we used to hear "wear a sweater!" as we headed out into the cold as children, I'd like to encourage you to "use your membership!" in 2013.  Not a member?  Join today.

Wishing you great success this year,
Katie

2012 Summer Review & Fall Preview

After a whirlwind couple of months, it's time to pause and take stock.  I'll share our latest and greatest news, and then I'd like to hear from you.....

Have you taken our recent survey?

The City of Chico and the Chamber want to know if you find the City permitting process straightforward, timely, and friendly.  We also want to know which regulations you find the most burdensome and if your internet access is adequate.  Why?  Because we're working closely with the City and other agencies to improve the business climate on local and state levels.  Comment now.

And stay tuned because in September we'll launch a comprehensive membership survey asking for your feedback on our programs, events, publications, and activities -- all with the intention of better serving our members and the business community.  We're listening....

In the Fall:

We're planning a Membership Orientation on October 11th for new, existing, and prospective members who want to jump-start their membership.  This is the perfect opportunity to ask, "What can I expect from membership?" and "How can I get more involved?"  Come meet the dynamic folks who make up our Staff, Board of Directors, Ambassador program, and Young Professionals Organization for a Q&A on getting the most out of your membership

We're also busily preparing for election season with a forum for City Council candidates.  Keep an eye out for a "Save the Date" notice within the next two weeks.  And, if you haven't read our Q&A with Doug LaMalfa and Jim Reed, candidates for the 1st Congressional District seat, pick up a copy of our latest Business Voice Quarterly.

Here's an excerpt --

We asked:

"Our business community identified burdensome regulations as one of the top four issues negatively impacting their growth and ability to hire.  How do you plan to address this issue to help create jobs in our region?"

Jim Reed Responded:

"In general I believe small businesses are over regulated and big businesses are under regulated. This is a direct result of the big business influence in Washington. As a small businessman myself, I see much of my employee costs are related to compliance work rather than production.  One of my priorities is simplifying the Internal Revenue Code and doing so will greatly reduce time small businesses spend on tax reporting."

Doug LaMalfa Responded:

"From the bills I carry to the constituent services my office provides I always work to repeal and reduce regulations and help people who have been harmed by regulators.  I believe that as your representative I should help get government out of the way of the private sector and those that produce.  I have authored bills to protect local businesses from ADA lawsuits, reformed overly burdensome timber harvest permits, fought unreasonable meal and rest period restrictions and CARB rules.  Government at the State and Federal level have grown out of control over the last two decades and their regulators and enforcers create burdens on our local economy that we cannot afford.  I will continue my fight against these regulations on every level."

What else have we been up to?

Well, we moved! We are now operating from the Old Municipal Building (441 Main Street, Suite 150) across from City Plaza in downtown Chico.  We're planning an Open House event for Thursday, September 20th, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, in our new location and the public is invited.  In the meantime, stop by our Visitor Center and be sure to recommend our services to family and friends who roll into town.  Our friendly staff can answer almost any question asked.

We're also participating in Annie B's Community Drive for the very first time!  Spearheaded by North Valley Community Foundation, Annie B's encourages charitable giving to local non-profits during the months of August and September.  We're raising scholarship funds through the Chico Chamber Community Corporation to support high school and college students in business-related endeavors.  Pledge today.

Take a look at our calendar of events for more ideas and activities.  Our schedule is packed with networking events, ribbon cuttings, open houses, committee and Ambassador meetings, and Young Professional events.

Looking ahead to 2013:

Next year seems like a long way off - especially while we're baking in this summer heat - but it's just around the corner and we have big plans.  In January, we'll host our 2nd Annual Business Summit & State of the City Address.  If you attended our 2012 Summit, you know we're looking for lively discussion to help set our advocacy agenda for the year.  We'll also host our 75th (yes, 75th) Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony at Sierra Nevada Brewery on January 17th, Power Lunches in early 2013, and an Educational Conference in April. It's going to be another year full of opportunity for our members.

And now I'd like to hear from YOU!

~ Katie Simmons

President & CEO

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