Message from the President and CEO
Happy New Year! Can you believe that it’s 2012?
In November 2011, the Chamber launched its newly designed website. Take a moment to click through all of the new features on www.gillettechamber.com. The site is designed to showcase member businesses and provide important business and visitor information about the community. Also featured is a search-optimized business directory designed to maximize members’ exposure and drive more visitors to your online listings and then through your doors. Please let me know what you think of the changes.
The revamped website opens the opportunity for banner advertising and upgraded business listings. Sales begin later this month. An advertising rep from our partner, WebLink International, will be here February 6-10 to discuss all of the advertising possibilities, available only to members. For more information, contact Felicia Messimer at feliciam@gillettechamber.com.
In January, I was elected vice president to the newly formed Gillette Main Street Board of Directors. Spearheaded by member Campbell County Economic Development Corp., Main Street is a national program that is volunteer-based and focuses on downtown investments to preserve historical atmospheres while increasing economic development. It has been successful in communities throughout Wyoming and I believe it will be successful in Gillette. Please stay tuned for more information about this important program in the coming months.
The next few months are going to be busy for the Chamber board and staff. Several events are scheduled that I hope to see you attend. The first is the ever popular Eggs & Issues legislative breakfast, where county legislators discuss the issues on the plate for the 2012 Wyoming state budget session. Second, I am working with City and County officials to hold business forums where our members have an opportunity to discuss the issues in the community that are affecting them most such as business development and expansion, as well as regulations. Third, I am eager to hear from the office of Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead on an April visit to discuss his plans for the Equality State.
If you like adventure, get ready to travel. Staff is working with Colette Vacations and member World Wide Travel to provide you with a selection of business mission trips—first up, Tuscany. Stay tuned for additional destinations. If there is a location that you’re interested in visiting, be sure to let me know.
Start off the New Year right and plan to network with us and your business colleagues on the third Thursday of each month at our Mixers—tonight there is one at Century 21 Real Estate Associates, 2100 S. Douglas Highway. You’ll see more information about these events, and many others, in the weekly Chamber Link as well as the monthly ChamberPAK.
Town hall events are planned for residents to check out as well. The first is a meeting about the Wyoming Health Benefit Exchange put together by Gov. Matt Mead’s Health Care Policy Advisor, Elizabeth Hoy. Ms. Hoy has asked citizens to "give their input about health care in Wyoming and any ideas, concerns or comments they have about possible solutions." The second is an open forum with U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis. Both of these events are great ways for our membership to be heard by state officials and I encourage you to attend both. The events and more details about them are posted on the Chamber’s online calendar under Community Events.
As always, my door is open to hear your ideas and to help find the information and resources your business needs to be successful. Thank you for your trust and investment in the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce.
Sincerely,
Julie Simon, IOM
President and CEO
Campbell County Chamber of Commerce
julies@gillettechamber.com
(307) 682-3673
