Dear Friends,
Wow! It is here. The day I turn over the reigns to the new President. I knew the day would come. At times it couldn’t come fast enough and at others, it seemed so far off in the distance.
Thank you to everyone, who has made this experience truly enjoyable. The GBBC has afforded me many great opportunities and I have got to do things I never thought possible. It has been a wonderful experience.
Like the avid outdoors men, I believe that you must always leave something better than you found it. Over the past few years we have been able to retire all outstanding debts and through a bankers approach to life; we have been parsimonious with our sponsors contributions and membership dues.
We had outstanding growth and today we are one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in Massachusetts. We have the lowest cost of membership of any Chamber of Commerce in Massachusetts. We have not raised our membership rates in six years and continue to deliver unparalleled value to our sponsors and members.
There have been studies that show when a past president remains within an organization or company, as its Chairman, that organization or company underperforms compared to others where the president completely leaves the organization.
I remain as Chairman, and with this in mind, I never want to be the one to hold this organization back.
When I accepted the Chairmanship I had a few conditions, and it was to be with the understanding that I would not be involved in the running of the organization.
I would preside over the Board Meetings and General Meetings, act as a mentor for a year and when asked I would provide advice and counsel.
I do not see the meetings agenda until I arrive the night of the meetings. I do this so that Brenda and her great team can lead with out the influence or pressure of the past leadership.
I will, in the coming months, seek to reduce my role further. I anticipate the time where I will be able to enjoy the GBBC as a functioning member who is able to reap the many rewards and benefits of membership with out the responsibilities.
Join me in my support of the new President and the entire Board of Directors by renewing your membership, increasing your sponsorship and becoming involved in the organization. The GBBC is YOUR Chamber of Commerce.
Letter from the Chairman
