Dear Chamber Members:

As we begin the New Year, I would like to start by reflecting on the  successes of the previous year.  With strong leadership and a dedicated staff, the Chamber had many successful programs in 2010 despite the challenges our economy brought to our community and our members.  Live Healthy Greenville continued to grow, the Business Expo sold out again, the Greater Greenville Sports Club was formed, the Power Lunches provided a great source of political information, the Young Professionals had another successful year, and Business After Hours continued to be a great resource for our members to network.  These are only a few highlights of 2010, but this list shows the commitment that your Chamber has to serving this community. 

The year ahead brings new opportunities for us to build on.  Your 2011 Board of Directors has an aggressive Program of Work for this year.  In addition to the many programs and services that the Chamber already provides, there are plans to improve and enhance many of those programs.  Let me highlight a few of the initiatives for the New Year:

• A Special Membership Event which is planned for February.
• Helping members maximize the use of Chamber benefits through the “Taking your Business to a Whole New Level” tiered membership program.
• Adding new opportunities for member learning, including online options.
• Expansion of the “Issues Committee” to build relationships with the new leaders in Raleigh.
• Expand “Live Healthy Greenville” to a county-wide program.
• Enhance the Chamber’s role in Economic Development.  

Also, the Chamber Board has made a commitment to “Building our Chamber and Building our Community” this year.  By building our membership numbers, we can offer more programs, services, better networking opportunities, and become a stronger voice for our community.  We need the involvement of every member.  Our strength will be in our numbers and the quality of the programs and services that are offered.  I challenge each of you to step up and get involved in our 2011 building project and in the many other programs and services that the Chamber will offer. 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Chairman of your Board of Directors for 2011.  Please join us as we work to strengthen the business environment, enhance the quality of life, communicate the views of business, and support constructive initiatives on major issues of public policy.  We are ‘Building our Chamber and Building our Community” together in 2011.

Dan Nichols