LOVE

Russian River Chamber of CommerceSolvent, Up & Definitely Running!Throughout the years, the RussianRiver Chamber has seen many upsand downs and has had its fair shareof less than favorable comments.Financial issues seemed to loomabove and a resolution faced manydifficulties, impeding the effectivenessof the Chamber. A new approach wasneeded if faith was to be restored in itsabilities. Approximately three yearsago, a dynamic change of directionwas adopted. Business practices werereformulated, budgets revisited andadvice sought from other professionalsources.Ultimately, through a good deal ofhard work and patience, solvency wasachieved and the Chamber became freefrom the difficulties of it’s past. Excitedabout the many new possibilitiesthe Chamber’s commitment to itsmembers and the River Communitieshas never been stronger. The needfor the Chamber to operate out of theusual ‘comfort zone’ was not alwaysunderstood. The decision to eventuallyrun the Chamber without an ExecutiveDirector was a radical step, but adedicated board along with active andenthusiastic members proved able tobuild a stronger foundation for thenew Chamber. Margaret Kennett,Chamber President has workeddiligently to lead the Chamber on thispath to viability.2008 proved to be the turning pointfor the Chamber. The year started withdebt and ended in the black. December2008 saw the Chamber Board, withits nominee, Diana Nolan, at a Spiritof Sonoma County Luncheon. Witha great sense of achievement theRussian River Chamber of Commercewas welcomed back with a loud roundof applause from the other Chambersand notable local dignitaries.2009 is already a success for theChamber and Visitor Center. Thecurrent Board has now been able tofocus on improving member services,promoting the area, beautificationplans and has also been workingdiligently with County entities andother civic groups to these ends. Apartnership with the Stewards of theCoast & Redwoods has been forged tohelp promote Eco adventures venuesand the Armstrong Redwoods 75thAnniversary celebrations. Largerprojects, which are handled under theGovernment Relations Committee,include Bike lanes, sidewalkreplacement and configuration withplans for new signage and plantings.The Board of Directors has setnew aggressive marketing goals. Theprofessional services of marketingconsultant Jim Skiba have beenenlisted. He will be assisting theboard in the development of dynamicnew marketing plans and conductingseminars to help members withideas for their individual businesses.Workshops will continue throughoutthe year to enhance commerceopportunities. Jim will work with theChamber on other specific projectsincluding presentations at Travel andTrade Shows. Travel Shows are chosenwith care and with an eye for returnon investment and our presence hasbeen well received. A strengthenedpartnership with Sonoma CountyTourism Bureau has proven successfulas well. New concepts for commerceand exciting new events and venuesare being developed, while continuingto support some of the favorite annualsummer events.The Chamber Board has been wellsupported by the staff at the VisitorCenter and Chamber office. OpalPullaro took on the role of Chamberoffice manager as well as Visitor CenterManager. Valerie Munthe volunteeredto produce the Chamber Newsletterand it has been an excellent production.Jimmy Caron as Chamber treasurerhas done a sterling job and is happy tohand over some of his duties to Rose– a recently hired bookkeeper. LauraWigod, experienced in PR and officeprocedures, has taken her position atthe Visitor’s Center as a greeter. TheVisitor Center itself will be getting abit of a facelift, with new signage alongwith interior improvements, to createa more inviting space for visitors andlocals alike.The current Chamber Board is proudof its achievements and understandsthe necessity of accountability.Questions and comments are alwayswelcome. The Chamber will continueto provide good service to businessesand work to stimulate the localeconomies and promote the interestsof our community. The Russian RiverChamber of Commerce wishes to thankits members, the River communitiesand other supporters who brought it tothis positive point.4/16/09 - www.westcountygazette.com - 23