Page 4 - Helena Chamber B2B Spring22

CEO MESSAGE
Members -
I write this last message to you in my last month of leading the Helena Chamber. I want to thank you for your great support over the years and hope you will continue to support the next CEO that will hopefully be in place at the Chamber by June.
As I leave:
• The Chamber is in a great position with nearly 800 members and growing daily with
the amazing efforts of our Membership Director Joey Berndt. If you know a business
who has not joined yet, please send her your referrals. (406) 447-1945. They will thank
you for getting them connected and enjoying all the benefits that your business has.
• The Chamber is sitting in a very good financial position as we came out of the
pandemic with an enlarged reserve and have been watching our financial security
become the best it has ever been. Our Financial Director/Bookkeeper Bobbi Foran
does an excellent job for this.
• The Chamber has an amazing team in place to “keep the wheels on the bus” moving
forward. With the addition of Callie Aschim to the team, we have an amazing staff that is probably the most talented, hard-working team we’ve ever had. Callie comes to the Chamber with a great background in events and programs management plus a deep understanding of the tourism industry. The loss of Mike Mergenthaler is great (after 18 years!) but we all wish him well in retirement as he moves to Utah with his wife Shannon to be “there” for their grandsons.
• The Chamber has an excellent Board of Directors led by Byron Stahly that will select a new CEO and keep the Helena Chamber focused on our goals and the Chamber’s mission and vision. As leaders in their own businesses and community, the board is also very talented with strong leadership skills.
• The Chamber remains dedicated and focused on workforce issues affecting area businesses through the Helena WINS Program under the skilled leadership of McKinley Winkle, Helena WINS Director. Our efforts are the strongest of all MT Chambers and the most innovative.
• The Chamber will continue to be your advocate with strong lobbying efforts with Chamber Lobbyist, Ronda Wiggers and will keep you informed through the many communication pieces produced by a very talented, Katie Nichols, Marketing and Communications Director. These valuable resources can be crucial to decisions your business makes.
• The Chamber will remain the area’s information clearinghouse – the best business resource in mid-Montana. Kristin Chaney, Office and Events Assistant, does an excellent job of being the hub of our office.
• The Chamber will adapt and thrive with new leadership to grow our programs, make exciting changes, continue to seek out ways to give more benefit to you, the members – plus encourage a high level of engagement from the membership. They will ensure that the Helena Chamber remains and grows as being essential and relevant to your business.
So I am retiring at the best time – the Chamber will continue to serve and promote you all!
Thanks for 23 wonderful years! I plan to remain in Helena, so don’t hesitate to contact me if needed. Sincerely,
Cathy Burwell, President/CEO
4 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION
VISION: Catalyst for growth; Convener of leaders and influencers; Champion for a thriving community. MISSION: Engaging and supporting businesses to facilitate economic growth and community prosperity.