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What the Chamber Can Do for You in Tough Economic Times

Connect Your Business

What The Chamber Can Do For You in Tough Economic Times
By Sharon Powers, President
North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

Depending on the day, the media report all the doom and gloom in our local and national economy. One day, the clouds above are dark and ominous; the next day, a different set of numbers is released and the outlook is cautiously optimistic. Drive through North Las Vegas and around the strip and there is evidence of continuing projects and developments that when complete will bring thousands of jobs to our valley and thousands of new residents to our city. So what are we to believe and more importantly what is it that we’re supposed to do?

It is alarming to hear our unemployment numbers surpassing the national average when typically they fall below. While previously we might have occasionally heard about someone we knew losing their job, now it seems like a daily occurrence. Disconcerting are the number of long established furniture stores going out of business and even more so the escalating price of gas. Add to that the growing deficit in our State’s budget with no easy solution in sight and it’s easy to understand the fear that surrounds us. During this time of economic uncertainty, the natural response is to pull back and wait for the recovery to begin. After all, this seems like the right thing to do; cut spending, lay off employees, and hunker down. However, except for adjusting your expenses to offset any significant decline in revenues, this is the last thing we need to be doing.

Our economy needs to be stimulated and the best way to do this is to keep it moving by conducting as much business as possible. Keep your good employees working and lose your non performers. This is the time to work harder and smarter. Don’t eliminate your marketing and advertising budget; re-examine it and make adjustments as needed. While it is a common occurrence for companies to pull back on this line item, now is the time to get your service or product out in front.

This is one of the many ways the Chamber of Commerce can help. Chambers provide the vehicle to get your name out and keep it out in front of potential clients and consumers. Membership has its privileges and with it comes the ability to be seen by the thousands that log onto our websites each month looking for specific products or services. Add to that the phone calls and visitors that come into our offices, and your market outreach just got significantly broader. Now divide your annual chamber membership dues by 12. Where else can you get that kind of continual exposure for the price? Cutting back on your marketing and advertising budget but want to maintain a presence in the community? Once again, the chamber provides numerous advertising and opportunities to fit even the small business budget. The North Las Vegas Chamber’s Look North newsletter offers affordable advertising and is mailed out to the membership, business leaders across the valley, and can be picked up at City Hall as well as in the Chamber office. Our soon-to-be released redesigned website will feature even more ways to highlight your business.

Would you like to connect with other established and up and coming business leaders? The Leadership North Las Vegas Program will provide such opportunities expanding social and professional networks while developing and improving critical leadership skills.

In September, the North Las Vegas Chamber will hold its first Women’s Leadership Conference at the Rio Hotel with featured keynote speaker Debra Benton. Ms Benton is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and executive coach whose clients include many Fortune 500 corporations. Having had the opportunity to attend one of her talks, I’m certain that attending this event will give you the added boost and motivation to continue through these trying times.

Finally, while our business advocacy efforts continue year-round, with elections around the corner and the next Nevada legislative session convening in February 2009, our committees and volunteer leaders are discussing the issues that will be affecting our business community. Currently, we are conducting interviews for the lobbyist that will represent and communicate our positions in Carson City.

So the next time you wonder what your local chamber is doing for you and your business, you’ll know that we’re working to keep the economy strong, protecting your business, and helping to make the community a better place to live, work, and play. We do this for you, so that you can concentrate on running your business.

Reprint from LV Business Press June 16, 2008