LAACC plans for busy spring
“Long gone are the days when joining the local chamber of commerce was considered necessary to conducting business in the community.”
According to ‘The 21st Century Chamber of Commerce,’ a white paper published in 2017 by Chamber Strategies, that phrase is now a 20th century anecdote.
The internet and social media are providing so many options regarding business resources and networking that today’s chamber of commerce is under huge stress to visibly demonstrate its relevance.
Some folks might argue that the chamber of commerce is, at worst, a dinosaur and at best an anachronism.
In contrast, many people, including the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce, would strenuously argue that every community not only needs, but also deserves a thriving and dynamic chamber of commerce.
The statement stipulation is that it must shed the aging habits of decades past.
In simple terms, the 21st century chamber of commerce must successfully meet or exceed the “What have you done for me” expectations of its members and assume leadership responsibility to help promote the economic health and wellbeing of the community as a whole.
‘Business as usual’ will inevitably lead to stagnation and eventually extinction.
At a minimum, it must still be perceived favorably in its community as it promotes the business community and the buying community.
That is the direction the LAACC Board Of Directors is attempting to take this community.
Through education, communication and area-wide promotion, the chamber is attempting to raise the quality of life in the area by uniting everyone as a cohesive group of people.
With many community events looming on the horizon, like the LAACC Golf Tournament at Bailey Creek and the Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza, the chamber board has hired a part-time executive director to help organize and coordinate with the board to make the events even more successful.
Chelssa Outland comes to the chamber with over 10 years of event planning and project management experience besides having valuable computer/internet skills.
There is also planning to have more Town Talks along with Town Coffees and Town Walks.
The Town Walks would involve chamber members and county officials walking to store fronts and listening to local business owners about ways to enhance business opportunities.
Details for the annual membership dinner/meeting on June 1 are being finalized and a first-rate catered wine and dinner will be the evening’s fare.
Tickets are $25 per person or $200 will reserve a table for 10.
The board also stressed that nomination forms for the Fourth of July grand marshal are now available at numerous locations around town, including Plumas Bank and B&B Booksellers.
If you know someone that has dedicated numerous hours over many years for organizations or events in the community, pick up a form and submit their name and contributions.
