Chamber Chat

Chambers of Commerce across the nation provide an essential service to business communities. They are comprised of local leaders and individuals who care about the business climate of their respective regions. They promote collaboration amongst government, education, non-profits and business in order to create a smarter and healthier economy.

I have strong convictions about chambers of commerce and their important role in helping local businesses succeed. An effective chamber of commerce houses a board of directors comprised of a diverse pool of people that collectively affect the strength of businesses. When a board is comprised of small business owners and representatives of lending institutions, land development companies, retail stores, service providers, media networks, industrial businesses, non-profits, higher education, city and county agencies, they create a strong think tank where ideas are born and solutions are provided.

I have been actively engaged to some degree with more than a dozen chambers of commerce in Nevada and northern California. In learning about different chambers I have been able to contribute value to the one in which I accepted a board position.

I believe it is a privilege to be nominated and accepted as a board member of a chamber of commerce and accepting the position comes with a commitment of time and talent. Not everyone is in a position to take on such a demanding volunteer role, and my best advice is to think about what you can do for your chamber, and not so much as what it can do for you.

I am proud to take on the role of President for the Sparks Chamber of Commerce in 2011. This was not an easy decision because the time commitment is demanding. Two primary considerations were taken, the first being a sit-down with my boss whose support was imperative. Having served as president of several very large boards himself, he warned me of the time commitment, but supported me 100% saying, “If you have the passion to do it, I support you – I know you will do a good job.”

My second primary consideration was to the chamber staff. They were growing leaps and bounds with new memberships rolling in almost daily, with more work to do than many business owners. What impressed me the most was Len Stevens, executive director and the face of the chamber since 2003. His passion for people is contagious, and his dedication to our business community and education continues to be inspirational.

I chose “Chamber Chat” as one of my platforms for this website because I cannot help but think about the wealth of knowledge that chamber people across the nation can share. With social media tools at our disposal we have an enormous opportunity to connect with liked-minded individuals who have something to offer, and best practices to exchange.

I want to endorse entrepreneurial practices in how we move forward with our chamber. I don’t know of any other situation where a chamber of commerce merged with an ethnic chamber in the name of integration. In 2009 the Sparks Chamber of Commerce officially merged with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Northern Nevada. I have witnessed a powerful collaboration amongst people who want to cherish culture, and embrace the differences amongst us.