Our Executive Committee will soon sit down to review our ongoing programs and services, consider new projects and decide on where adjustments to our income and expenses need to be made while still providing the highest possible services to our business members and community.

Our vice presidents are asked to compile a proposed budget for their division. This budget includes the amount and proposed methods of raising the funds, together with the proposed amounts and allocations of the disbursements. The Board of Directors then approves our budget by a majority vote prior to the end of November.

In order for the Chamber to continue growing and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner, we, like so many other companies, have had to make some tough decisions including moving to 100% electronic communication for our newsletter and other various functions.  This is a tough year for us as well as our members and we are working to hold the line on all operating expenses. Even more so because of current economic conditions and other challenges the organization is facing.

Your Chamber Board will be working hard to complete the budget for 2011. Needless to say, we need everyone's help and cooperation in order to work within our projected budget. How can our Chamber members help? What can each one of us do to make sure our organization remains stable and effective?

Giving of your time is probably the greatest way to assist the Chamber in remaining viable and active in your community. We always need help at Chamber sponsored events. Coming up September 21 is our Greater Chocolate City Golf Outing and October 30 our first Halloween Pumpkin Bowl - both important fundraisers to our chamber. The more effective we can be with our event, the more we will succeed in the fiscal areas of our organization.

In addition to helping maintain dues at a reasonable level, our fund raisers allow us to look forward to carrying out our goals and remaining an effective, committed and dynamic Chamber. Thank you for your support in every form - membership dues, sponsorships, time and talent.  It is very sincerely appreciated by the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce.