Charles Gill, 2008 Chairman of the Board

Welcome to the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce!  I am privileged to serve as your Chairman of the Board for 2008, and thank you for the opportunity.

Representing over 1600 members, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce has two superior assets – a dynamic membership and a vibrant community in which we reside.  The Chamber is supported by an extremely talented Board of Directors, an experienced and capable President and CEO, Larry Mankin, an energetic and devoted Chamber staff, and over 800 volunteer-members who drive the various working committees of the Chamber (Membership, Finance, Government Affairs, Transportation, Economic Development, Events, Health and Wellness, Hispanic Business Committee, Political Action, Environmental).  A significant goal of the Chamber is to offer you an opportunity to build business and personal relationships at each and every event.

The Chamber’s 2008 activities build on the programs initiated by the Past Chairs – particularly this past year’s Chair, Pam Ingram.  The completion of the Chamber’s technology upgrade, a program initiated by Pam and enthusiastically supported by Chamber Members, is key to the Chamber’s continued success and service to its members.  The Chamber will continue to be partners with the City of Santa Clarita in promoting the sound economic development of the community.  The Chamber, an avid supporter of the Enterprise Zone, will continue to work with the City’s staff in marketing, promoting and implementing this valuable boost to the business and manufacturing segments of our community.

While economic development and sustainability is key to the future of Santa Clarita, the Chamber will intensify its efforts in the areas of overall community promotion, expanding networking opportunities for members and local businesses, continue to develop solid working relationships with governmental entities, and keep members informed on political, social, transportation and environmental issues which have an impact on the community in which we live, work and play.  The Chamber’s advocacy trip to Washington DC, spearheaded by Larry Mankin, continues to bring significant value and exposure to Santa Clarita by having our legislators focus on issues essential to our community.

The life-blood of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, now 7^th largest in California and the largest in the LA region, is our members.  Our programs in 2008 will focus on sustaining and increasing the value of Chamber services to our members and to our community.

You are surrounded by success – please take the opportunity to make the connections today that will ensure your success tomorrow!

Respectfully,

Charles Gill,
2008 Board of Directors Chairman