Dear Chamber Members,

I have been impressed at the enthusiasm of our members-business owners and individuals working to promote and develop their own and others' business in Montgomery County and the New River Valley. The desire for economic growth and for building strong relationships with other businesses and organizations in the area is absolutely energizing!

I started thinking about how we could begin a campaign to keep holiday spending local. Of course the Member 2 Member Program where Chamber members offer discounts to other chamber members is a perfect way to promote each other. (We have an application you can fill out to offer one for your business.)   But then another idea came across my desk. Chris Lewis, Owner and Operator of Shared Success, LLC and an independent distributor for Shaklee shared an idea with me. Let me summarize it for you.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce has many traditional retail businesses involved in our organization. There is nothing like opening a package filled with a favorite book, shirt, or gadget selected just for you! So I encourage each of you to shop all of our local retail merchants.

I am also going to ask you to think outside of the Holiday Box! Have you considered giving the gift of a service? We have many service-related businesses in the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, too!

I enjoy receiving gift certificates for my favorite services. Think of the luxury of a massage, pedicure, haircut or manicure! Years ago I gave my elderly father a book of gift certificates for car washes. He lived in western Pennsylvania and the winters were brutal and brought with them road cinders, salt and chemicals. He loved the gift!

So this is the thought-who do you know that loves car detailing? Exercising? Arts and crafts? Photo services?   A computer tune-up? Driveway sealed? Lawn mowing services? Snow removal services? What locally owned and operated restaurant do you love? Honor someone with a gift certificate for any of these or other services!

The choices are endless when we think locally. So whether it is the traditional holiday gift that we box and wrap extravagantly or a unique gift of service-remember to shop with members of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce first! Here's to a successful holiday season for all of our members! Cheers!