If you are reading this article, then you are aware that our Chamber Newsletter has moved online. Going forward you will be able to keep up on the Chamber happenings, simply by logging on to the Chamber website.

What a great year it’s been. Where does the time go? It hardly seems like a year has passed since I first assumed the responsibility of Chamber President. As a result, this will be the last “President’s Corner” article I will write. Before I leave my parting words of wisdom, I would like to first look back on some of the highlights of 2009.

The 2009 Farmer & Merchant Banquet was the first year we held the event at Madison High School. It was also the first year we had a theme (1950’s). The event was so well received that we decided to continue on in the same tradition in 2010. This year’s Farmer & Merchant Community Banquet will once again be held at Madison High School and there will again be a theme (March Madness). As you can guess from the theme, the event will not be held in January, as has been tradition, but will be held in March. Please be sure to check your Chamber Newsletter in the near future for more specific details.

Annual events like the Idaho International Dance & Music Festival, Whoopee Days & Rexburg Unplugged were very enjoyable, well attended and well planned. New or expanded events such as the 2009 Business Expo, the 2009 Veterans Day tribute at the Veteran’s Memorial in Smith Park or the recent “Christmas in the Night Time Sky” celebration are examples of new directions that Chamber is moving which have a positive impact on our community. Finally, in 2009, the Chamber moved to a new location. Again, if you haven’t been by the new facility on 127 E Main St., I would encourage you to stop by.

Let me close by saying that I have enjoyed my tenure serving as your Chamber President. It has been challenging at times, juggling this responsibility with the other responsibilities in my life, but it has truly been a rewarding experience. I have enjoyed meeting many of you at Ribbon Cutting ceremonies or at the many various other community events. At this time I wish to express thanks to Donna Benfield and her staff, for their time and commitment. I would also like to express thanks to members of the Board of Directors who freely give so much of their personal time for the betterment of the community. None of those thanks would matter, however, if not for the Chamber members. Thank you so much to those businesses who ultimately fund the Chamber efforts through payment of dues and other contributions. Finally, I wish to express thanks to my wife and family for their patience and support during my tenure as President.

Going forward, I am excited about the direction the Chamber is moving and look forward to my continued association with the great people of this community.