Haywood County Chamber Annual Report 2010 2010 : Page 2

Letter from the Chairman: YEAR IN REVIEW This was a milestone year for the Greater Haywood Chamber of Commerce. In the middle of the worst economic times in a gener-ation, the chamber has moved to a beautiful new lo-cation, certified its first group of green business leaders, begun a comprehensive review of chamber operations, and initiated two major events. These ac-complishments highlight a truly remarkable year. I encourage all mem-bers to visit the new cham-ber home. The beautiful, newly remodeled historic house at the corner of Main and Walnut streets has southern charm and is lo-cated at one of the busiest intersections in the county. While there, gather in-formation about our Green Initiative. Haywood Com-munity College President Rose Johnson chairs our green committee and the program is far ranging and a model for others. This year our first group of busi-nesses earned a green certification from taking part in the program. The chamber received the Commission for A Clean County Award for its efforts. The chamber also received a $50,000 grant from Blue Prints for Business. The grant will be used to evaluate the chamber’s effectiveness for our members. The grant is already helping by providing great pro-grams and seminars for members. I am excited about where this relationship can take the chamber. Thinking of exciting futures, programs thatmade impressive advancements this year include the Busi-ness Start UpCompetition, Women in Business, and the Governmental Relations committee. The Business Start UpCompetition has been so successful through the years that it receiveda match-ing funds donation from the Haywood Advancement Foundation. After four years, there are now dozens of Bruce Johnson, Haywood Chamber of Commerce Chairman businesses that have benefited from participating in the Start UpCompetition. The Women in Business programs have been among the best-attended on our calendar. This com-mittee has attracted incredible speakers who teach and inspire all business people. The Governmental Relations committee contin-ues to growour influence with local leaders in both the private and public sectors. Our Legislative Agenda and annual trip to the General Assembly provide the opportunity for our elected leaders to hear directly from us about the needs of the business community. Lastly, I want to highlight two new events. The Fire and Ice event in January is designed to attract vis-itors during a historically slow season. Art O’Neal, Jeff Young and their committee worked hard to create an entertaining event. My three young children and I particularly enjoyed the ice carving competition with the chainsaws and irons. The Blue Ridge Breakaway is on schedule for August. Ken Howle, Larry East, and the committee anticipate drawing a younger demo-graphic to the mountains for an extended stay and a challenging bike ride that includes an impressive stretch on the Blue Ridge Parkway. As you can see, Executive Director CeCeHipps and her team are achieving incredible results with limited resources. All of this would not be possible without an active and talented chamber board and an active membership. I thank the staff, the board and our members for making 2009-2010 a milestone year of accomplishment. GREATER HAYWOOD COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Year In Review

This was a milestone year for the Greater Haywood Chamber of Commerce. In the middle of the worst economic times in a generation, the chamber has moved to a beautiful new location, certified its first group of green business leaders, begun a comprehensive review of chamber operations, and initiated two major events. These accomplishments highlight a truly remarkable year. I encourage all members to visit the new chamber home. The beautiful, newly remodeled historic house at the corner of Main and Walnut streets has southern charm and is located at one of the busiest intersections in the county. While there, gather information about our Green Initiative. Haywood Community College President Rose Johnson chairs our green committee and the program is far ranging and a model for others. This year our first group of businesses earned a green certification from taking part in the program. The chamber received the Commission for A Clean County Award for its efforts. The chamber also received a $50,000 grant from Blue Prints for Business. The grant will be used to evaluate the chamber’s effectiveness for our members. The grant is already helping by providing great programs and seminars for members. I am excited about where this relationship can take the chamber. Thinking of exciting futures, programs that made impressive advancements this year include the Business Start Up Competition, Women in Business, and the Governmental Relations committee. The Business Start Up Competition has been so successful through the years that it received a matching funds donation from the Haywood Advancement Foundation. After four years, there are now dozens of businesses that have benefited from participating in the Start Up Competition. The Women in Business programs have been among the best-attended on our calendar. This committee has attracted incredible speakers who teach and inspire all business people. The Governmental Relations committee continues to grow our influence with local leaders in both the private and public sectors. Our Legislative Agenda and annual trip to the General Assembly provide the opportunity for our elected leaders to hear directly from us about the needs of the business community. Lastly, I want to highlight two new events. The Fire and Ice event in January is designed to attract visitors during a historically slow season. Art O’Neal, Jeff Young and their committee worked hard to create an entertaining event. My three young children and I particularly enjoyed the ice carving competition with the chainsaws and irons. The Blue Ridge Breakaway is on schedule for August. Ken Howle, Larry East, and the committee anticipate drawing a younger demographic to the mountains for an extended stay and a challenging bike ride that includes an impressive stretch on the Blue Ridge Parkway. As you can see, Executive Director CeCe Hipps and her team are achieving incredible results with limited resources. All of this would not be possible without an active and talented chamber board and an active membership. I thank the staff, the board and our members for making 2009-2010 a milestone year of accomplishment.

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