Chamber President's Commentary by Michael D. Seward

March 4, 2012
By: Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

The goal of your Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Business Assistance & Activities Division is to provide high quality chamber activities and events designed to increase new business contacts and opportunities for involvement and increase assistance programs for small business. Chris Monk, Cumulus Media, is Vice Chairman of the Board of this division.

The number one new objective for the chamber in this area is to establish and promote a Small Business Council to initiate a new Bay Area Chamber Small Business Assistance and Advocacy program. Dr. Lee Newton, Newton Eyecare Center, is the Chair of the new Small Business Council.

Other key objectives in the Business Assistance and Activities Division include:

1. Provide opportunities for members to increase their visibility through sponsorships and advertising opportunities, including the Premier Sponsorship program and specific lower-cost event sponsorships.

2. Recognize agribusiness leaders and host Bay Area agribusiness programs to increase knowledge of the importance of agriculture to the region.

3. Increase recognition for business and community involvement by selecting and presenting Chamber awards, including Business Hall of Fame, ATHENA, Leadership Alumni Community Service, Jerome L. Yantz Partner in Education, Energize Bay Area YPN and Brick Awards.

4. Establish a Social Networking seminar for Chamber members.

5. Hold a Sales/Marketing Forum utilizing the expertise of Chamber members.

6. Enhance networking opportunities at a Chamber Eye Opener Breakfast, Business After Hours, Annual Meeting & Golf Outing featuring business, community and governmental speakers.

7. Enhance the opportunities available at two Chamber-sponsored Sales Leads Roundtable, designed to provide direct sales for participants.