Diana Morrison-wrapping up 2009 with her final Chairman’s report

 

Diana Morrison, Chamber Chair Thank you all for taking the time to read this last report from me as we move quickly into 2010.

 

 

 

We all know in 2009 businesses struggled, both large and small – and it was no different at the Chamber.  We were, however, not as negatively affected as most other Chambers. Our member retention remained at about our 10-year average of 85 percent, but member past-dues showed more take longer to pay.  Thanks to all of you, our members, for continuing your membership – we wouldn’t be where we are today without your support.  We, like everyone else, have had to make tough choices and pay attention to all costs while not affecting the value we offer our membership.  Overall, I am very proud of the way the Chamber has sustained in these tough economic times – it is important to remember that flat is the new up. The Chamber is fortunate to have a large Board of Directors, 49 of Savannah’s top business leaders!  I can’t thank them enough for their support and hard work this year. It has been a great honor and pleasure to serve as your 2009 Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman. I would also like to thank our able staff; they have worked tirelessly which made reaching our goals so much easier.  There have been so many great things that have happened this year. I know I won’t be able to cover everything but here are some of the highlights: Member Services In consideration of the poor economy this year, our board voted not ask our member companies to loan us their staff for the Total Member Resource Campaign.  Instead, our Board members worked very hard to successfully secure the sponsorship necessary to sustain our budget and programs.  However, there will be a ‘new and improved’ membership campaign in 2010, as we know this campaign offers all involved benefits. As you know the Chamber’s membership is 80 percent small business, and the top request we receive from our small business members is networking opportunities. Networking is one of the best values of being a Chamber member. In late 2009, we developed the concept of a new “Owners Council.”  The Council is designed to support business owners large and small and we will kick it off in early 2010!  Through all of last year, we averaged 3-4 networking-type events each month, with an average attendance of about 400 members.  That number multiplied by 40 or so annual events equals a lot of marketing opportunities for each member company.  It was a real pleasure seeing all of your support at these many events. The Chamber’s Small Business Council continues to meet monthly, averaging about 100 members in attendance.  Members are energized by the opportunity to meet new prospects and renew existing relationships while learning from programs that represent a diverse selection of issues effecting businesses in our area. New this past year was the Business Exchange, hosted by the Small Business Council, where businesses large and small are encouraged to attend a free and open forum where they can find out ways to leverage the many benefits of their Chamber membership. The feedback and attendance continues to be outstanding. The 16th Annual Business Expo saw 1,500 attendees visit our more than 100+ vendors and their displays of goods and services. Our “Taste of” series: Taste of Southside, Downtown and Tybee are our most popular business connections, each with an attendance between 500-800 members who take advantage of these fun and productive networking events not to mention the great food and drink.  As we progress into 2010 you will see new opportunities as we continually improve these events for our members. Governmental Affairs We all know that our Chamber is more than just networking events.  The Chamber provides a pro-business voice that supports, grows and sustains our businesses in the halls of government. In the governmental affairs world, if the Chamber voice was not present when decisions are made, other special interest voices will take our place.  Most businesses in these hard economic times don’t have the luxury of supporting a voice ourselves, so it is very important to have a Chamber who speaks for us.  Here are additional ways our Chamber has helped and supported governmental issues in 2009:  Annual Savannah-Chatham Day where Chamber civic and business leaders met with state elected leadership in support of important business issues. Savannah passed a new and fairly balanced Historic District Zoning Ordinance, with the voice of business at the table. Chamber and its partners received $4 million in state bonds to further develop Hutchinson Island. Project DeRenne continued moving forward – 2009 was spent with all stakeholders creating a design which City Council could adopt first quarter of 2010. Strongly advocated for regional T-SPLOST approach for transportation vs. a statewide T-SPLOST in 2009, and may pass in 2010. Served on the MPO/CORE transportation planning group which prioritizes highway transportation projects.  Chatham County finally received the good news the Truman Phase Five funding was secured and construction is imminent.  This has been a Chamber priority for what has seemed … forever! Our Chamber advocated for a statewide trauma network, which resulted in the super-speeder fines that could raise $25 million for the network.  But much more needs to be done to secure permanent funding for this vital need for all of us and our families. We worked aggressively to make sure that state budget does not under-fund Medicaid. Created a 2009 SPLOST and E-SPLOST collateral review report on the entire history of SPLOST going back to 1985 and tracking current and future projects for success and for local and minority opportunities. Workforce Education is a challenge everywhere in the country and the business community is helping in Chatham County. The Chamber has played a active role in education for many years. And we are making progress: We feel good about the Board and Staff leadership with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, with a Board and staff working together. Graduation rates, reading on-pace and test scores are up while the number of schools on the AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) list is improving.  Even school business partnerships remain healthy in this challenging economic environment. Technical education has improved in high schools particularly with the success of Woodville-Tompkins. Savannah Tech along with many of our four year institutions are all seeing increased enrollment and doing a wonderful job despite state revenue challenges. Military Affairs The military is a strong component of the Savannah economy and an important piece of the Chamber’s work plan.  We were disappointed the current administration cancelled plans for a new brigade that we had plans to house at Ft. Stewart.  There is much more work to be done as we seek to house one of the two returning European brigades and continue the important work of supporting our solders families during this time of deployment.  Manufacturers Manufacturing continues to be one of Savannah’s main economic drivers, and we support the issues that affect them such as education, water and air quality. We also recognized, along with SEDA, 25+ manufacturing companies celebrating decade anniversaries from 10-90 years this fall.  What an honor as a community to have businesses with such rich history.  Other community awards recognized manufacturers that are safety, supplier and community leaders. Tourism  I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about Savannah’s tourism.  As all of you know, the CVB is a very important part of our Chamber, our community and our economy!  We were fortunate to have had Jody McIntyre as our 2009 CVB Board Chair, and the outstanding leadership of the CVB Board as well.  Thank all of you for your great leadership and for supporting all of us this year. I am so proud that our beautiful city has received so many great accolades lately.  Two of many were when Savannah was once again voted one of the “Top 10 Places to Visit in North America” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure Magazine. In Conclusion Turning over the gavel to Bert Tenenbaum was a bitter-sweet day for me.  Last year when I accepted the Chamber’s lead volunteer role we did not know what 2009 would bring.  It brought many things for me: it brought hard work, a feeling of accomplishment, a sense of pride and an education no one person can teach.  I have been asked this question more than any other one this year, the answer is – yes,  it is a challenge, especially in this economy, and especially a small business owner to be the lead volunteer for an organization as active and accomplished as this Chamber.  Many of you know how much it takes to successfully operate and grow a small business and outside responsibilities can add to that challenge.  One of my goals this year was to bring the emphasis to small business that it deserves and help those members to understand more about what the Chamber does for them, encouraging them to be involved at a greater level than they have been in the past.  I can’t thank all of you enough for the support, the mentoring, and the encouragement you have given to me this year.  My staff, my family, my friends and you, our membership, have allowed me to experience something that cannot be measured in words or bought with money, but only carried in my heart and memories forever.  Thank you! Diana Morrison

Congratulations!

Diana Morrison owner/president of Advertising Specialty Services passed the gavel yesterday.  Diana served as the 2009 board chair of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce.  She did an amazing job and we are so very proud of her.  Bert Tenebaum will serve as chair for 2010. Steve Green was awarded with the Oglethorpe Leadership award yesterday as well.  Congrats everyone on a job well done.  Click on the WTOC TV link below for more details.

http://www.wtoc.com/global/story.asp?s=11696571

Ambassador of the Year-Kim Jones

(SAVANNAH, GA) – The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce selected The Sullivan Group’s Kim Jones as Ambassador of the Year. Jones, who is the Account Manager for SavannahJobs.com has been an ambassador for 2 ½ years and received the honor November 12.  Congratulations Kim!www.SavannahJobs.com

information pulled from www.carriagetradepr.com

Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

(SAVANNAH, GA) Mark your calendar for the Chamber’s 203rd Annual Meeting on December 17. They will give special recognition to 2009 Chamber Board Chair Diana Morrison of Advertising Specialty Services as she exchanges gavel with new 2010 Chamber Board Chair Bert Tenenbaum of Chatham Steel.

Diana Morrison will be on the Bill Edward’s show.

Diana Morrison will be on the Bill Edward’s show Tuesday, Dec 8 at 7:30AM – talking about her year as the Chair for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce – tune in… 1290AM WTKS.

December SMART letter and SMART giving offer

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Diana Morrison passes the gavel.

203rd Annual Meeting on December 17

Mark your calendar for the Chamber’s 203rd Annual Meeting. We will give special recognition to 2009 Chamber Board Chair Diana Morrison of Advertising Specialty Services as she exchanges gavel with new 2010 Chamber Board Chair Bert Tenenbaum of Chatham Steel. There will be a special surprise award presented at the meeting. We will recognize outgoing board members and committee chairs and give a special opportunity to thank volunteers and business members who have made 2009 a successful year, especially during these difficult economic times. The meeting’s title sponsor is Georgia Power. Please note reservations are necessary and should be made by Friday, December 11. A 72-hour cancellation is required. Date: Thursday, December 17

Time: Noon – Lunch

Where: Savannah Marriott Riverfront, 100 General McIntosh Blvd.

Cost: $30 per ticket and $300 for tables of 10 for Chamber members; $40 per ticket and $400 for tables of 10 for Member guests

Contact: R.S.V.P. to Margaret Mary Russell at 912.644.6432 or mrussell@savannahchamber.com

Enews letter from Advertising Specialty Services, Savannah GA

Advertising Specialty Services monthly SMARTletter.  Click the link below to view November’s edition.  Sign up today so that you can receive a copy of each months letter to your email.  We feature different promotional products every month.  There is a message from Diana Morrison along with a special offer and someone different gets to be in the spotlight every month.

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Letter from Diana Morrison, Chamber Chair

It’s hard to believe that most of my year as Chamber Chairman is over – time flies when you love what you are doing, thank you all for allowing me this opportunity to serve. When it was first announced that I was to be the Chairman for the Savannah Area Chamber for 2009, I had many calls from small businesses asking, “Why should I join the Chamber?” and “What do I get for my Chamber membership?” My answer is not one that I have to say as the Chairman, rather it’s what I truly believe and have experienced as a longtime, involved Chamber member. Here’s my honest answer: The Savannah Chamber offers many opportunities for all businesses – large or small. As one of the largest member organizations in Chatham County, networking with other Chamber members is an important way to increase the visibility of your business. There are roughly 3-4 networking events each month, averaging about 400 people – that equates to a lot of potential customers. If you are looking to learn more about business success and your community, the Chamber offers monthly education seminars through the Small Business Smart Lunch Series. In my opinion, the most important role the Chamber plays is being the pro-business voice in legislative issues for those of us who are not large enough to be heard by ourselves. Lastly, although I have stated many benefits to being a member of the Savannah Chamber, your membership is only as valuable as the time you invest in it. In today’s economic climate, Savannah has fared better than most, largely due to four of our major economic drivers: Manufacturing, Military, our Port and Tourism; and the Savannah Chamber plays an active and large role in all four areas. It is more important than ever for your business to be part of an organization that provides opportunities for members to make an impact on critical business and community issues. At the Savannah Chamber, we believe our membership is the heart of our organization and one of the reasons we have such a strong, involved business community; which in turn makes the Savannah area a better place to work, live and play. Recently, I have challenged my fellow board members to reach out to past due Chamber members over the next 45 days to encourage them to renew their membership before year-end. We all have experienced the results of this economy, if you have not renewed your membership, I strongly urge you to protect the investment of your future by renewing yours today. I also wanted to take this opportunity to make you aware of all the great things the Savannah Chamber has done for you in the last few months. Please take the time to peruse the stories below and see how important it is to be a part of the Chamber family. Feel free to contact myself or any of the Chamber staff with questions. Thank you for your time and for investing in the Savannah Chamber. I look forward to seeing you at our next event.

Holiday Cards with Sound

Sending out holiday cards to your loyal staff and clients?  Want your card to be the office favorite and stand out from all the others?  Here is a great way to do just that, holiday cards with sound.  Everyone will be talking about your company and the fabulous card they received.   What a great way to stay fresh in their minds.

Visit www.adspecialtyservices.com for these and many more promotional products to market your business/event.