Graeme Robertson 2015 Board Chair

It's hard to believe that the first quarter of 2015 is just about over. The overall feeling in town is that business conditions are good. There appears to be more acitivity in our member's businesses and the two key measurements for business acitivity are showing positive trends: TOT +3.98% and sales tax revenue +2.6%. The latest research by Visa-Vue indicates that our friends from China account for the largest percentage growth in spending in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Congratulations to the Carmel Pine Cone on their 100th anniversary. Paul Miller and his excellent team provide a critical service to our community every week by updating us on all the local news and events. We all look forward to the Thursday night email edition and the paper copy on Friday. Thanks to the entire team for the information you provide our community.

Please join us in welcoming our newest members to the Carmel Chamber of Commerce: Carrigg's of Carmel, Dolci di Carmel French Macarons, Exclusive Home Management, Fenton & Keller, Molly Doty Executive Coaching & Consulting, Mundaka, Stevenson School, Thomas Bateman Hood Architecture and Titus Contemporary Gallery.

We are looking forward to our next mixers at La Playa Carmel on April 8th and at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on April 30. In May, the Monterey County Vintners' and Growers Association will host the annual Winemakers Celebration on Dolores Street. Last year's event was spectacular and we hope to see you May 2.

As always, we welcome your participation, support, comments and feedback.

Graeme Robertson, Board Chair

Earth Day is April 18, 2015 but there are many things you can do every day that will make a difference for our planet! Many organizations locally are hosting events that will have a positive impact on the earth. Attend one and then start doing something new to make a change! Then keep on doing the good things that are already part of your life like; recycling, reducing the use of plastics, refusing plastic straws for your drinks, composting, cutting down on driving, using a reusable bag, repurposing household items, eliminating chemicals, conserving water and energy and aiming for zero waste. To see local Earth Day events, visit the chamber website calendar.