Dear Members and Friends,
 
A favorite quote of mine is from John Maxwell, noted author, speaker and pastor, who said “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”

This quote came to mind as I sat thinking back over the last two years about how the Chamber swiftly
and continually ‘adjusted our sails’ – many times on a daily basis, in order to provide much needed support, ​friendship, and resources to members and the community.

Looking forward, I see the need for us to once again adjust our sails and face the next set of challenges - including return to work, recruit talent, overcome employee shortages, supply chain, and health care, to name a few.

How will we do this? Well, as the largest member organization in our region, made up of corporate executives, seasoned entrepreneurs, committed elected officials, experienced nonprofit executives, well established educators, up and coming young business leaders, and more - it is the Chamber’s goal to seek out what is needed to address the challenges head-on.

One way we address challenges is by serving as a leading voice in support of community initiatives and projects such as broadband, digital literacy, schools-to-work, and workforce development. By serving in this capacity, we are able to build awareness, share knowledge, create new opportunities and collaborations, and ultimately reach success.
This year will bring new and different challenges along with the ones we are used to facing. We will face them together with leadership, communication, collaboration, focus, and flexibility.
 
I look forward to working closely with each of you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me – for any reason.
 
Best regards,
 
​
Cheryl B. Kuhn, IOM
President & CEO
Your Success Is Our Business