Paso Roles Chamber: Here's to You '22

from Paso Robles Press Magazine • #260 • December 2022

by 13 Stars Media

Sip & Savor: The Originals

Gina

Fitzpatrick

President/CEO Paso Robles Chamber

Here’s to You … ’22!

In the next few weeks, you’ll read countless articles that say goodbye to 2022 and hello to another new year. They will be filled with ruminations of the many things that this year has brought along with goals and prospects on the horizon. Well, guess what? I’m going to do that, too! There is something satisfying in recounting both the challenges and triumphs, looking back on what we’ve accomplished, and looking forward to what’s in store.

Membership. We embarked on the biggest change in our membership structure to happen in over 100 years. This is the 21st century and our Chamber needed to reflect the changes in our business climate. Segueing from an employee count to a tiered benefits dues structure allows us to focus on what each business is seeking from their Chamber affiliation. If you haven’t had a chance to really delve into what the Chamber can offer, please let us know. We would love to help you become more familiar and comfortable with your membership investment.

Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber Merge. Many of you are already aware of the merging of these two organizations, and you know that we have been requesting input to determine the needs of members in both communities. I must admit that when we started the process, we had no idea that it would take nearly 10 months to bring the merge to the point where membership could vote. For those of you who saw the vision and supported it, we thank you! In the upcoming months we will be able to integrate the two organizations in a more seamless way. Let us know what you would like to see as we expand our sphere of influence with a broader reach.

Events. This year brought the return of many of our beloved events. We hosted over 350 people at our Annual Gala and Board Installation Celebration in May where we honored our 2020 Roblan of the Year, Patricia Bland, and the 2021 Roblan of the Year, Brian Thorndyke. We awarded the Beautification of the Year to California Coast Beer Company and the Templeton Business of the Year to McPhee’s Grill. Wake Up Paso saw a new location, Park Cinemas, with the same format the community has come to know and love. Women in Business has continued each month at McPhee’s Grill in Templeton, allowing us to highlight many of the women of influence in our area and the businesses they own or positively impact.

Advocacy and Governmental Affairs. We brought on a dedicated advocacy and governmental affairs advocate to help keep abreast of issues in the local, county, state, and even federal level. Our members can rely on our diligence to stay aware of things that may affect their business and our commitment to keep them notified on these issues.

When you’re in the trenches, sometimes it’s hard to see the progress you’re making. It happens in Chamber life, too. But taking just a moment to reflect helps me, and hopefully, you, to see that we continue to grow, to improve, and to work towards a stronger and more unified organization. Hello ’23 … we can’t wait to see what you’re going to bring!