"What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity." ~ J.S. Baxter

I said to a trusted colleague yesterday morning that if our Visitor Center funding emerged from the Council's budget discussion 100% intact I would have a bit of survivor's guilt.  Watching broad cuts affect the full spectrum of City services, it made sense to me that we would see a reduction in funding for next fiscal year -- and it turns out we will.  So, what will we do with less?  Well...more!  I have big plans to do things differently, more creatively, and with a team of fabulous college students who will help us build our social media presence in the coming months.

Now more than ever, it is critical that we connect visitors, tourists, and residents to local businesses and that's why it makes perfect sense for the Visitor Center to continue to live squarely within the Chamber.  As the City continues to cope with financial challenges that directly impact the services provided by many non-profits in town, I hope collaborative strategies focused on economic recovery will bring us even closer as a community.  Our Team Chico approach -- pulling together the resources and expertise of the Alliance for Workforce Development, 3CORE, DCBA, Chico Chamber, Chabin Concepts, and City of Chico to reach as many business as possible with a full set of services -- is a great model. I am a firm believer that we have a hand in designing our future, and I have confidence that the Chamber will be a leading voice in paving the way forward.

In other news, I'm thrilled to congratulate our BBQ winners: Enloe FlightCare (Grand Prize and People's Choice in the backyard division), Hunter Drake Smokehouse BBQ (People's Choice professional division) and Kinder's Meats & Deli (Grand Prize professional division).  Many thanks to ALL of the teams for competing, to our sponsors for making the BBQ possible, and to our attendees for joining us on the lovely shaded lawns of Manzanita Place as we honored Enloe Medical Center's centennial anniversary.

Looking toward Fall, we're planning our Business Spotlight calendar for the first City Council meeting of each month. If you'd like to be a featured business, please let me know which month works best for you.  This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the economic, community, and historical impacts of local businesses and we want to aim the spotlight on YOU.

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas A. Edison

Shortly after I graduated from college, I took a temporary position assisting the staff at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine as they prepared for their annual meeting in Denver, Colorado.  The organization, I would soon learn, had thousands of members -- mostly M.D.s and Ph.D.s -- from all over the world who specialized in the research, development, and application of MRI.  These members would soon converge in Denver for a 7-day accredited medical convention with 9 parallel sessions, over 1500 poster exhibitions, and a technical exhibition featuring the latest equipment from 50+ companies including GE, Philips, and Toshiba.

My job, which I bit into with great force, was to assist the staff in anything and everything.  I alphabetized paperwork, ran errands, found files, took phone messages, and tied up loose ends.  Four short years later -- after learning from every conversation and transaction that came my way -- I'd wiggled my way up to top of the meetings staff and was directing conventions and workshops in Europe, Asia, North America...you name it...all because someone had given me an opportunity on that very first day by opening the door.

We all have stories like this.  We've climbed ladders, gone out on limbs, built things from scratch; our pathways are varied and unique.  But I'm sure we all have something in common, too: strong hands that have reached out to guide us, pull us forward, and to lift us.

Kimberly & Katie

I have no doubt that my new intern, Kimberly Cooke, will take advantage of the opportunity in front of her in the same way that I did when I was her age.  The Chamber has tackled enormous issues this year and she is perfectly positioned to make an impact that you, our members, will feel.

I love when doors open for me and I love opening doors for others.  It's the way the world works.  If you're in a position to take an intern under your wing I encourage you to connect with the career centers at Chico State and Butte College.

Open the door to your business, invite someone inside, and change a career path (and a life!) in the process.

~ Katie

katie@chicochamber.com

Last night, the Chico City Council discussed the need for a sit/lie ordinance in Chico.  Each and every Council member, whether or not they agreed with the ordinance, recognized the need to support local businesses and our business climate.  Read the results of their discussion and decision here.

We're moving full steam ahead with our Clean & Safe Chico Community Forum on Wednesday, May 29th, at 6:30p.m. at the El Rey Theatre.  You'll hear about the programs now in place to help address community-wide concerns and you'll have the opportunity to rally support for your solutions.  We have 600 seats to fill and we need to pack the house to make sure our voices are heard.  No RSVPs, no fees.  See you there!

The results of our recent Shopper Survey are in and -- round of applause -- we're pleased to report that nearly 1,500 people weighed in.  We'll be releasing the data shortly but here's a sneak peek.  We asked: What do you think are the major advantages of shopping or doing personal errands in Chico?  Nearly 70% of the respondents answered "Supporting Local Businesses."  Now that's the spirit!

On that note, did you know that $.68 of every dollar spent at a locally-owned business and $.43 of every dollar spent at a business within the city limits returns to the community (source: Local First/Collaborative Economics)?  We're working on a "Choose Chico" campaign to help build awareness around the power of patronizing businesses in Chico which dovetails back into our Clean & Safe work perfectly.  If we want to see changes within our community, we need to continue to strengthen the partnership with our City Council, do our part in supporting local initiatives, and choose Chico when shopping.

Tomorrow morning, we're hosting a Membership Orientation & Refresher at 8:30a.m. in the Chamber office (441 Main, 2nd floor).  If you're a member or interested in membership, this is the place for you.  Make the most of what we do for you.

Next week, on May 30th, Council member Tami Ritter will be our Lunch Hour guest from noon to 1p.m..  And, to give you a better understanding of the City of Chico's fiscal outlook and priorities, we're co-hosting a City of Chico Budget 101 session with the City of Chico, DCBA, and Chico Stewardship Network, on Friday, June 7th, from noon - 1:30p.m. at the Chamber office. Speakers include Brian Nakamura, Mark Orme, and Chris Constantin, the new Administrative Services Director.  Listen, learn, and ask your questions; we want City staff to hear from you.  RSVP to me: katie@chicochamber.com

At the Festival for Change two weeks ago, Chico State students were encouraged to share what they'd like to "save." Comments included rivers, creeks, the ocean, our land, etc.  My second grader sized up the task, grabbed a pen, and wrote, "save the businesses."  I heard the same sentiments from the City Council last night.  I think we're doing something right.  Let's keep up the good work.

~ Katie

katie@chicochamber.com

In light of the fact that the civil streets ordinance discussion was tabled at last night's City Council meeting, let's focus on what IS happening right now in our community:

The Goodwill Ambassador program is officially up and running with 20+ business owners, advocates, and citizens now serving as volunteers.  Shifts run from 11a.m.-2p.m. and 5p.m.-7p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of every week, providing merchants, shoppers, visitors, and all downtown patrons with information, hospitality, and assistance.  Chico Stewardship

 Network, the group spearheading the program, believes that the answers to our community problems rely largely on citizens.  Without a visible police presence in downtown Chico, this group 

will serve as the eyes and ears of the community, reporting issues and challenges as they arise.    To become a Goodwill Ambassador, contact Michelle Anderson-Curran.

The Chico Street Pastors program (above), an initiative of Neighborhood Church and the Jesus Center, will provide the community with a different kind of support.  Focusing on south campus neighborhoods and downtown Chico, volunteers will move through the streets between the hours of 10p.m. and 4a.m., providing assistance and light services to improve the safety and well-being of the hundreds of citizens who are out and about during late-night hours.  To volunteer, please contact Bill Such.

Speaking of community-driven change, SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere), invite you to the Community Festival for Change this Friday, May 10th from 4-8p.m. in the City Plaza. This event will serve as a continuation of the CSUC Community Call for Action and Campus Commitment to Action Summit hosted by California State University, Chico.  The Festival will feature music, food trucks, community tables, guest speakers, and a ceremony to remember the campus-changing events of this year.  In the words of SAVE, this event will "signify closing a chapter and moving forward with the positive momentum and change that is coming!"

If you're inspired by the work being done by businesses, organizations, students, and citizens and you want to learn more, mark your calendar for the Clean & Safe Community Forum on Wednesday, May 29th, at 6:30pm at the El Rey.  No RSVPs, no fees, just a good, solid opportunity to get involved.

Let's get it done.

~ Katie

katie@chicochamber.com

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