Chamber Conference Re-Cap: Learning, Networking & Shaping Our Future

“Fantastic weekend. Well worth my time and money!”

“An amazing opportunity to network and meet new contacts!”

“I’m so glad I attended!”

“Best Chamber Conference yet!”

“Wow!”

These are just a handful of the many positive comments I heard from Chamber members that attended the 2013 Annual Chamber Community Conference, which took place this past weekend. If you missed it, please check out the comprehensive coverage provided by the Tallahassee Democrat. There were a record 460 registered attendees, a record 110 first time attendees and a record number of business relationships formed. This record turnout reflected the significance of this conference for our member business owners, elected officials and other community leaders, and reinforces the collective commitment we all share in improving the economic environment and quality of life we enjoy as a community.

Over the past few years, our region has experienced significant positive momentum in terms of economic development, improved communication among organizations and businesses, and overall pride in our community, and this year’s Conference provided the perfect platform to showcase this momentum for everyone to see. There is no other event capable of gathering this impressive group of business leaders, entrepreneurs, city/county officials and staff, and community leaders in one place, all focusing on one singular mission: to improve our region and quality of life.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from national, regional and local speakers about the future of our workforce, talent attraction, national trends impacting our region, various community assets that attract outside businesses to our region, economic development projects and innovative research taking place, in addition to sessions devoted specifically to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to grow their business.

I want to thank our sponsors, particularly First Commerce Credit Union for their financial commitment as presenting sponsor, as well as the other 47 businesses whose generosity and commitment helped make this event successful. I want to thank those of you who were able to attend, share your thoughts and hear from the diverse and comprehensive collection of speakers. Lastly, I’d like to thank Chamber staff for their hard work and dedication in coordinating this annual Conference, specifically Dana Noles and Christian Mummau in our Events Department who work year-round on different aspects of this event in order to bring you the best experience possible.

This Conference is just one example of the different events and opportunities the Chamber provides to you, and I encourage you to take advantage of them. Whether it be networking at Professional Women’s Forum next Tuesday, understanding more about all of the wonderful benefits that come with your membership at Benefits & Breakfast or learning new tips and tools to improve your organization at Business Nuts & Bolts, the Chamber has something to help you grow your business and get the most out of your staff.

For those that were with us at Conference, we will be sending out a survey in the coming days asking for your feedback and ideas on ways we can improve your experience. I encourage you to please fill it out. We want to ensure that we’re providing the topics, trends and economic development information that’s important to you.

I encourage everyone who attended the Conference to share the information, ideas and energy with everyone you talk to in the coming weeks and months, to ensure we keep this positive momentum going. For those members who weren’t able to come, just ask anyone who did attend how the Chamber Conference helped them with networking, resources and insight into the economic development future of our community. I’m confident that, after talking with them, you’ll be joining us at next year’s Conference.

Speaking of which, for anyone eager to start making plans for next year’s event, mark down August 8-10, 2014 at Omni Amelia Island Plantation for the 2014 Annual Chamber Community Conference!

See you there!

Sincerely,

Sue Dick
President/CEO