Dave Vaughn, Chairman of the Board

As the calendar turns from 2008 to 2009, there are some common themes that we are all reading and hearing about... We are in a recession... The economy is struggling... Unemployment is at an all time high... and the themes go on and on from there.

Well, as the incoming Chairman of the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce, I do not have a plan that fixes these issues nor do I have a magic wand, antidote or the like that will make these many challenges we face in 2009 go away. I will tell you that I am looking forward to my year, in spite of all the seemingly negative issues we will all face. I will also tell you that the Chamber will continue to serve the business community with programs and activities designed to promote a strong local economy.

In the upcoming year, we will:

• Develop a program that emphasizes member relations and retention.
• Develop a long-term master plan for tourism.
• Develop a multi-layered Shop Local Program.
• Form a task force to look at options to placing a Chamber office in Yuba City.
• Continue to be an advocate for business through our Government Affairs Committee.
• Continue to support the community through the Workforce Development Program.
• Continue to support the LEAD Yuba^Sutter program, the Chamber's professional leadership development program.
• Continue to participate in community and business events with volunteers, Ambassadors and the Board of Directors to promote the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce, its membership and its work.
• Continue to serve as a community liaison for tourism and the community.
• Continue the Legislative Lunch Series.
• Continue to offer networking and training opportunities to members.
• Continue to host ribbon cuttings for new and expanding businesses and introduce them to the community.
• Continue to support all of our business members to help them all be successful.

In 2009, your Chamber of Commerce stands ready, willing and able to face the challenges with our Community and Businesses in 2009. It is about "Our Business, Our Community, Our Future."