Mandy Jones, Membership Director

Approximately a month ago while watching the NBC Nightly News I watched Anchor Man Brian Williams start a new series called "Making a Difference". Viewers responded that they were sick and tired of hearing only bad news, NBC responded with a series of two-minute long short videos or emails of good things that are happening sent in from viewers around the country. Rarely am I home in time at night to always watch the nightly news so I have started my day lately by watching the latest series first thing in the morning on the internet in my office. What better way to start the day off than with some positive, good news. Just like the American People are craving to hear good news, I would like to share a few positive stories of what the Chamber of Commerce is doing in the Yuba-Sutter region.

The March Business Connection Breakfast was titled "Economic Optimism" with local Businessman Dan Flores as the speaker. The Chamber's April Breakfast will piggyback off this and offer an inter-active session where attendees hear success stories of some of our local businesses who are thriving and can share together what is working for their business and give practical ideas to help other businesses with their struggles. Please plan to attend on Friday, April 24 at Boyd Hall in Yuba City. Call the Chamber at 743-6501 for reservations. By providing positive, informative and practical ideas, the Chamber is helping to strengthen our local economy.

It is my honor this year to spread the "good word" in pictures and my own words with an hour long slide presentation to the new spouses who have moved to Beale Air Force Base about the great aspects of living and working in Yuba-Sutter. In my presentation I show them about the history of our area, local attractions, restaurants, shopping, fun things to do and services that are available to them. Because of our local businesses generosity I am able to share lunch, coupons and prizes for these new members of our community! With programs like Happy Landings, the Chamber is promoting our local community as well as forming a new base of consumers that will help our local businesses be more profitable.

April 17 the Chamber will invite our neighbors to come out and meet our newest Assemblymen to the California State Legislature at the first in a series of three Legislative Lunches. Assemblymen Jim Nielsen and Dan Logue are in Sacramento working on our behalf and are anxious to tell the business community what they are doing. By hosting these lunches the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce is helping to share the interests of business with our local, state and federal government representatives.