Message from Executive
Dear Chamber Members:
Success matters.
And it's important to acknowledge and recognize the attainment of
success. But how do we know that we have achieved success?
If parents raise a child to the age of 18, does that make them
successful? Not necessarily. If the child proves to be an educated,
responsible and contributing member of society, then we might agree that
the parents have been successful. But if the child drops out of school,
is unable to secure employment, and can't focus on creating a positive
future, it's unlikely that we'd think the parents have achieved success.
Success is built upon incremental steps, big or small, taken with
courage. Philosophically, I believe success is always about continuous
improvement and a sincere dedication to one's vision.
In 2007, it's fair to say the Chamber achieved success on almost every
front. Having completed our strategic plan for 2007-2010, we began to
launch the plan in earnest. The Chamber Board provided the means to
contract with an economic development consultant to guide us through the
early stages of providing assistance to new and existing businesses. The
establishment of several new committees in 2007 was fruitful in meeting
the 2007 goal challenges. This 2007 Annual Report highlights the
valuable work being done by the Chamber's committees and staff.
I wish every Chamber member could have the advantage of seeing what goes
on behind the scenes to make our Chamber function efficiently and
effectively. Our valued volunteers give many hours of their business or
personal time to support our work. I wish all our members could hear the
praises we hear -- reflecting how far we have come in the past 5 years,
thanks to the many folks who have dedicated themselves to making
Sheboygan County a better place. I wish all our members could have
attended the New North Summit, where they would surely have been
delighted to hear people speak so highly of Sheboygan County. If all
these wishes could come true, then you would surely know that the
Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce was successful in 2007.
Please take the time to absorb the highlights of this annual report. As
2008 begins, the Committees and the Board are already working toward the
new benchmarks and goals we've established to serve the countywide
business community. We will work tirelessly to raise the level of
assistance we can provide to you, our valued members. But success is a
team effort. That's why I personally welcome input from our Chamber
members concerning how we might better meet your collective needs. After
all, we meant business in 2007, and We Mean Business in 2008!
Delores E. Olsen
Executive Director
