This is my first message as Chamber President and quite frankly I have been struggling for a week deciding what to write.  I wanted it to be something engaging that would cause you to think or take action or both.  I also wanted it to not be a waste of space.  What I have concluded is, I’m glad I’m not an editor for a publication and responsible for writing editorials on a daily or weekly basis!

Let me first say thanks to Jamie Birch for his past year of service as Chamber President and to our current Board of Directors for their confidence in me.  I also want to commend our exceptional Executive Director, Donna Benfield and her dedicated, hard-working staff.  They are the reason that our many activities get put together and are done so well.

The Rexburg Area Chamber has been fortunate to have such a successful year as we had in 2009.  Although the nation’s economy has faltered, our chamber membership has remained strong and our member businesses have continued to invest their time and energy into activities that have helped them grow.  These businesses have recognized the value and importance of being part of our chamber organization and in the coming months I want to share many of those reasons why being a chamber member can help you too.

As Jamie mentioned last month, we are quickly approaching the date of our annual Farmer, Merchant and COMMUNITY banquet.  It’s set for Thursday, March 11^th.  I hope you will mark that date on your calendar and plan to attend.  Board member Doug Nielson and his volunteer committee have made several important changes for this year.  First, the date of the event was moved back from January to March.  This was done in an effort to avoid many of the local school sports activities that happen in January along with the hope of improved weather so that more of you can attend.  Another change is the word COMMUNITY has been added to the title of the event.  In years past, the focus has been an opportunity for the businesses of the Rexburg area to join with our farming neighbors in an annual celebration.  Since agriculture remains an important part of our area economy, this remains an important part of the reason we gather. We also want to make sure that EVERYONE who is a member of this community feels welcome.  This is an open invitation for ALL to attend.

So what do we do at the annual banquet?  We enjoy a meal together as well as time to better get to know each other.  It’s also the place where agricultural, business and community awards are presented.  This is where the service clubs, educators, public servants and individuals who have helped make Rexburg and Madison County a better place are recognized.  And finally, it’s the most important fundraising event for the chamber.  This year the chamber will have both a silent AND live auction.  Dozens of businesses and individuals donate fun and interesting items of value with all the proceeds going to support the activities of the chamber.  I hope you will attend and, if possible, generously support the auctions. 

Please join us--the Rexburg area community--on March 11^th.  We promise it will be a fun-filled, fast paced evening that offers you the opportunity to better get to know your friends and neighbors in the Rexburg area.

Until next time…