Humbled, honored, nervous,
excited, these are just a few of the words that came to
mind when I realized our members, nearly 700 strong,
would put their faith in me to hold the position as
Chairman of the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber
of Commerce for 2008.
Since Homestead was named the fastest growing city in
the nation last year, this organization indeed faces a
challenge to welcome the new businesses while not
forgetting the ones who have supported the Chamber and
made this community a place we call home.
As part of the Chamber’s tradition, each year the new
chairman decides on a theme. My theme not only includes
and remembers our businesses, but our teachers and
education system as well. It goes like this:
“Remember Your A B C’s: Always Buy Chamber.”
Homestead and Florida City businesses have always worked
well together and with the influx of large corporations
and small “mom and pop” businesses coming to our
communities, we should help them get adjusted to our way
of life in the South Florida Paradise we have been a
part of for so long.
Seems it is only human nature that when we are looking
to purchase, we always ask friends and family; “Do you
know where I can get a deal on …..?” or maybe “Do you
know somebody who does…..?” Well members, the answers to
your questions are right here at the Chamber. Think
about it, could you imagine a town without a Chamber of
Commerce? I couldn’t. In fact, I think it is wonderful
to be part of a Chamber that encircles two
municipalities and a good part of unincorporated area.
Could you imagine a business that is not a member of the
Chamber? If they are not going to support and give back
to the community, what kind of support are they going to
give to you, their customer, once you have purchased
their goods or service?
Through our monthly network breakfasts, lunches,
lunch-n-learns, ribbon cutting ceremonies and many other
activities too numerous to list, you will get to know
nearly 700 members who have family and friends that need
your services and will be happy to recommend a fellow
Chamber member who can help them meet their needs. Next
to being a member of the Chamber of Commerce in good
standing, word of mouth is the best and most affordable
advertising you can get.
Our past chairman of 2005-2006, Bob Farnes, stated: “Our
Chamber must be the ONE organization that the business
community relies on to be their voice and come to when
they need help.” While we are not miracle workers, the
Chamber is a force to be reckoned with and this Chamber
is known well throughout Miami-Dade County, Tallahassee
and Washington D.C. Over the years, staff, past chairmen
and board members have worked hard to earn the respect
we have with our governmental entities. While staff may
not be able to fix your problem on the spot, you can
rest assured that they have the contact name at a
Chamber member who will be happy to help tackle the
issue you are facing. This I learned first hand while
renovating the Historic Redland Hotel, the oldest
commercial building in town. The Greater
Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce not only
aided me with local city laws, but helped me actually
get State Law changed in order to bring a building back
to its original charm and keep its place in the history
of our communities, at a time when the city governing
entity wanted to bulldoze it. It is now one of the
highlights of our historic downtown, which is on the
National Register.
I urge you as a business owner or just someone who wants
to be involved with how your community is transformed
for our future generation to get involved as a member
and volunteer with one of our committees. As chairman I
promise to give my best to you throughout the year.
Respectfully,
Katy Oleson
Katy Oleson |
