scottsdalechamber.com
MEMBER COMMUNIQUÉ Message from the CEO Oh, how the chamber world has changed in the past few decades! In the “good old days,” the first thing any new business did, practically before it was issued its business license, was join its local chamber. The local chamber was a private sector extension of local government and was the gateway to acceptance as a bona fide member of the business community. Membership in the chamber was a rite of passage, and continued membership was taken for granted by both the chamber itself and the business. Rick Kidder The chamber, for its part, was often on the local government’s payroll and rightfully took on its assumed responsibility to be a flagwaver for the city or town it served. There was one chamber per city or town and one state chamber that took on the role of helping those local chambers build their capacity to serve the city or town and its businesses. Frankly, chambers didn’t really have to worry very much about viability or demonstrating value to the business community. The “good old days” are now long past, and the chamber world has had to adjust to new realities that include new challenges and new opportunities. This is a good thing. Chambers are not entitled to members. In fact, they are and should be subject to the same market economics that govern the success or failure of any business. Successful chambers should embrace and demonstrate best practices for all businesses. Some new businesses join their local chamber right off the bat in order to become known in the community. But membership is no longer viewed as a rite of passage or a “must-do” by nearly any business. Membership is now based on perceived selfinterest, much of which is indeed enlightened self-interest, and continued membership now hinges more on that self-interest far more than community stewardship. And it seems that new chambers are springing up every day, some looking to serve very narrow constituencies. These newer chambers may confuse the marketplace, but if they succeed it will be because they were able to thrive in the marketplace. Most municipalities, particularly larger ones, no longer fund their local chamber except through membership dues. With the fetters of government funding removed, chambers have evolved into more of an advocacy role — often endorsing candidates and taking on their city or town when the actions of a city reflect policies that are deemed unfriendly to business. Chambers still wave the flag for their municipality, often while engaged in vigorous dialogue with elected officials. Chambers represent their members, and continued viability depends in part on their success in helping create a strong climate for businesses to thrive. I would ask that you choose to support your local chamber — not because it is entitled to your support but because it has earned it.
May 2013 - August 2013
Business Volunteer Awards and Annual Meeting Join your Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce for our first annual meeting of the membership in many years. This breakfast event combines the Business Volunteer Awards and an opportunity for Chamber members to get a sneak preview of the exciting programs and services of the Chamber in the Presented by coming year. In addition, many of the Chamber’s partners will be present to give members a chance to visit and see how those partner companies can save you money, improve the way you market your business and increase your productivity. Come cheer on your fellow members who have been selected as this year’s Rising Star, Segner Award, Legacy Award, Chairman’s Award and Dale B. Fingersh Volunteer of the Year honorees and join the excitement of the best year yet for Chamber members! The Business Volunteer Awards/Annual Meeting will be held at the Venue Scottsdale on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:30 in the morning.
Mark your calendars for September 12 for the Scottsdale Business Showcase, the largest and best-attended trade show in the city! This high-energy event always provides great face-to-face networking opportunities in a unique and fun environment. This year’s theme will be NASCAR! Exhibitors have plenty of time to plan the looks for their booths and get their costumes. Businesses, start your engines! For sponsorship or additional information on either of these great events, please contact Anna Mineer at 480-355-2708 or by email at amineer@ scottsdalechamber.com.
Rick Kidder, President/CEO
Scottsdale@WOrk - 1