That is why it is so important to think about shopping in the Yuba-Sutter area before going out of town.

And, if you are going out of town, how about buying your gas here first?

Here at the Chamber of Commerce, we are planning two Shop Local festivals in 2008. The first will be at Raley's Shopping Center in Yuba City on May 10, 2008, and will feature about 60 vendors from the area. This is a great way for residents to make contact with businesses they might not have known about. And, it gives businesses a chance to reach out to new customers. We will have refreshments and music and more details will be coming as the event draws nearer.

The Chamber is also working with the Yuba-Sutter Business Consortium to produce "Yuba-Sutter Presents," an evening with motivational customer service speaker Doug Lipp. Doug Lipp was the head of corporate training at Walt Disney University and is a customer service expert with clients including Frito Lay, Wells Fargo Bank, Honda, Marriott and IBM. The event will be held Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m. at the Yuba College Theatre. The evening includes a wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and costs $35 per person. Call Terra Yaney at 751-8555 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to make your reservation.

Customer service is going to be critical for businesses as they work their way through the 2008 economy. Attending "Yuba-Sutter Presents" or sending your key employees who work with the public would be a great way to keep your business strong.

Speaking of customer service, we're looking for your secrets to customer service. Great customer service translates to customers who keep coming back to your business. Do you have a special slogan at the office? Are there special ways you recognize your customers? Do you have an interesting customer service story to tell? We want to hear what you have to say and we will share your comments in the next Business Today.

The Chamber is made up of almost 700 business owners and they also have a part in keeping our economy strong. As Chamber members, your decision to do business with other Chamber members strengthens the membership. There are so many business decisions to be made and literally hundreds of Chamber members to help you in your business. From your payroll service to your janitorial service, catering an event, buying flowers and gifts, purchasing office supplies or office furniture, Chamber members who actively work with other Chamber members keep this organization strong.

So, do a quick review of your services and next time you need a service, check the Chamber web site at www.yubasutterchamber.com to see which Chamber businesses might assist you. Or, call us at 530-743-6501 and we will help you find what you need.

The economy may change but the mission of the Chamber, "To create and promote a community climate where businesses are productive and profitable," will not.