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Last fall we told you about our plan to focus in 2009 on a "Back to Basics" agenda. In doing this, we reaffirmed our commitment to the activities and services our members rely on us to provide on a daily basis. The results of the February membership survey confirmed these priorities: strengthening the local economy, promoting the community, representing business to government, providing quality networking opportunities and business resources, and pro-business political action.
With the downturn in the economy companies are retooling their business models and evaluating their priorities. When advising our members on how to strengthen their businesses, we recommend focusing on core strengths and products, elimination of any under-performing lines of business and positioning the business to take advantage of the recovering economy.
Now we have decided to take our own advice. The leadership and staff have evaluated the best way to retain our core strengths while reducing overhead. We are taking prudent action to ensure the long-term health and stability of the Chamber.
We've taken a progressive step to set up a "virtual" office. This will allow the Chamber to reduce operating costs without compromising services. Our employees will be telecommuting (or performing normal work duties at home offices). This offers increased productivity, decreased overhead for a brick and mortar building, and a reduced impact on the environment. With the help of our business partners -- Cox Business, Citrix Online, Move Green, Synergy Computing, ProMoving and Traffic Solutions, we are working to implement the latest and greatest technology in this ever-changing business world. While the Chamber office in the Fairview Center will close, the Chamber's operations will remain the same.
What Does this Mean to You?
For most of our members, nothing will change. The Chamber will continue to offer all of the benefits and services it always has. The phone number and website will still connect you to the Chamber staff. Meetings that were previously held in the Chamber conference room will be moved to the conference rooms of our members throughout Goleta (check our website for locations).
Upcoming Events:
Ribbon Cutting at Yo Yum Yum, 5915 Calle Real, July 3rd, 11:00am
Business to Business Breakfast at Earl Warren Showgrounds, Tuesday, July 7th, 7-9am
Business After Hours Mixer at Pacific Sales, on Wednesday, July 22nd, 5-7pm
Issue and Policy Roundtable, held at the Airport Conference Room, Thursday, August 13th, Noon-1:15pm
Goleta Economic Forecast, Fairview Theater (to be confirmed), September 2009
California Lemon Festival in Goleta, October 17th and 18th, Girsh Park
And much more...!
How Will This Work?
Our phone number is the same: 805-967-2500. We will be using a newer technology provided by Cox Business for our phone services. Our new system will route your calls to the staff, allow you to leave messages and provide pre-recorded visitor information. You'll be able to reach us by phone more readily than before!
Our website is the same: www.GoletaValleyChamber.com Ameravant Web Design and Media 27 are helping us improve our website with even more interactive functions and increased usability. You can find all of the functions of the web before, (past Goleta Business Journals, Calendar of Events, Business Directory, online reservation system and more) plus we'll be adding even more online content. Look for the virtual Jean Blois Community Room online - coming soon.
Our email is the same: Citrix Online is providing our staff with all of the GoTo products, including GoToMyPC, GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar so that we can communicate, plan and meet with even more efficiency.
Visitor information: Visitor information, maps and brochures will be distributed to member locations throughout the community. Santa Barbara Signs and Graphics is helping us design information and brochure racks that will be placed strategically in Goleta and the City of Goleta is helping to disperse this information as well.
Certificates of origin: Companies that export products to other parts of the world sometimes need certificates of origin signed and stamped by the Chamber. Rather than you coming to us, we will now come to your office to provide this service. Just call us early in the day and we'll come to you by the end of the day.
What People Are Saying
"Some organizations might be tempted to scale back services and operations during slower economic times. The Goleta Chamber is proving itself to be much more business savvy, tech savvy and green then that. By moving to a virtual office, it will be reducing its carbon footprint and reducing traffic congestion, but at the same time will be saving money and maintaining its excellent service to its members." Kent Epperson, Director of SBCAG Traffic Solutions.
"I've help many businesses in Goleta and Santa Barbara go virtual by using good communication tools to replace the need for office space. Not one of them has regretted the transition." Michael Kramer, Ameravant Web Studio
"At our bank, we go to our customers more and more and ask them to come to us less. It's great to see the Chamber offering to do the same thing." Joanne Funari, Business First Bank
"You want your local Chamber of Commerce to reflect the community it represents. It makes perfect sense to see the Goleta Chamber going to technology and green practices, here in the technology corridor and this highly educated workforce." Michael T. Bennett, Council Member, City of Goleta
When Will This Take Effect?
The transition has begun and we expect to be operating completely a completely virtual office on July 6th. When you come back from your long holiday weekend, you will still be able to reach the Chamber at 805-967-2500, online at www.GoletaValleyChamber.com and through all of the same email addresses.
We appreciate your continued interest in the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce and support of our mission. If you have any questions or concerns about this transition, please do not hesitate to contact one of us.
Sincerely,
Kristen Amyx
President & CEO
2009 Board of Directors
Joanne Funari, Board Chair
Fred Barbaria
Terry Bartlett
Kathleen Boomer
Mark Dispenza
Don Donaldson
Jim Crook
Steve Fedde
Steve Greig
Bob Grissom
Megan Hilton
Theresa Huerta
Paul Jaconette
Jim Knight
Mark Mattingly
Laura McCormick
Earl McCutcheon
Annie Montalvo
Karen Ramsdell
Michael Rattray
Joe Salcedo
Larry Urzua
John Wiemann
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