WHAT DOES THE CHAMBER DO?
The question of "what does the Chamber do" was recently asked of current Chamber members - below are some of their answers:
• "The Chamber provides a forum for businesses to meet and interact with other businesses as well as provide resources for the community to learn more about Greater Romeo-Washington & Chamber Members."
• "The Chamber promotes business - it actively lobbies for business at the local and state and federal level"
• "Provides businesses the advantage of acting collectively as a group."
• "Promotes and protects the interest of business."
As the community champion and advocate for business, the Greater Romeo-Washington Chamber leverages the talents and resources of its member businesses to improve economic opportunities for all.
The Greater Romeo-Washington Chamber unites hundreds of business and professional firms, thus creating a unique central agency working to improve business and build a better community. Over 90 percent of the membership is composed of small businesses interested in prospering and creating a healthy environment in which to conduct business. The Chamber is made-up of people who realize that through the Chamber they can accomplish collectively what none of them can do individually. The strength of the Chamber lies in attracting the greatest number of members, creating a pool of resources from which can be drawn ideas, energy and finances.
• Over 400 business and professional firms working together to make the Greater Romeo-Washington area a better place to live.
• A voice for the business and professional community on critical issues.
• More than 16 committees hard at work meeting the community needs.
• Setting and achieving goals that will assure Greater Romeo-Washington of reaching its full potential as a community.
• Working to increase prosperity by encouraging growth of existing businesses and fostering new ones.
WHO ARE THE MEMBERS?
The Romeo-Washington Chamber of Commerce consists of over 425 businesses, organizations and individuals concerned with the socio-economic climate of Northwest Macomb County. Our Chamber members represent a wide variety of businesses and organizations, both large and small, that are dedicated to the successful growth of the community.
WHO LEADS THE CHAMBER?
The Chamber of Commerce is run by its members. A Board of Directors is elected annually by the members to determine policies, develop programs and set goals. Serving on the Board is a rewarding experience and an opportunity for professional growth. Board Members serve on various committees and assist with Chamber & Community events in addition to receiving recognition as being a decision maker for the Chamber. The President presides over all of the board meetings. The Chamber’s day-to-day operations are handled by knowledgable and friendly paid staff and led by a full-time Executive Director.
2007 Board of Directors
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CHAMBER?
As we work to improve the community’s economy and quality of life, the Chamber keeps these broad objectives in mind: to help businesses prosper and grow, to increase job opportunities, to encourage an orderly expansion and development of all segments of the community and to contribute to the overall economic stability of the community.
WHAT ARE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMBER ?
The Chamber of Commerce activities reflect community needs. They are undertaken by members and staff to improve the quality of life in the community. Some of the Romeo-Washington Chamber of Commerce activities include: providing business resources, services and information, promoting community activities, conducting educational programs, recruiting new businesses and industries and providing relationship marketing opportunities. The Chamber encourages members to become actively involved by participating in either the Tuesday or Thursday Networking Team or committees such as the Early Bird Networking, the Business Women’s Connection, the Ambassador's Club, the EMMA Awards, Cool City Task Force, Golf Committee or other Event Planning Committees.
HOW DOES THE CHAMBER ACCOMPLISH THESE ACTIVITIES?
The Chamber strives to accomplish these activities by: (1) having specific goals and objectives designed to meet the needs of community members, (2) having an organizational structure, complete with bylaws, policies and procedures for coordinating volunteers and programs of work, (3) having involved and dedicated leaders that are well informed and are willing to contribute their time, talents and treasures, (4) having informed, interested and dedicated members working on committees to carry out programs of work and to provide necessary funding, (5) having the financial resources to undertake programs of work and to provide administrative support and (6) having skilled executive management dedicated to sound operations, creative programming and the overall success of the community.
