Your Chamber
Greetings, Chamber colleagues,
Columbia crossed an important line this year when the city's population blasted past the long-anticipated 100,000-target. According to the latest U.S. census data, Columbia officially started 2011 with 108,500 residents after completing a decade of rapid growth.
Columbia's population boom couldn't have come at a better time. New residents have helped area businesses weather the economic storm of recent years. Even better, they have helped position Columbia for continued business growth. Companies that require a minimum population of 100,000 will now consider our market a viable location.
Growth brings benefits and challenges. The challenges, however, are far more intriguing and palatable than those created by declining economies. Mid-Missouri and the Chamber must remain focused on infrastructure and quality-of-life issues, achieving the necessary balances so that Columbia continues to stand out from the rest.
By necessity, the Chamber's responsibilities will expand with the community. New initiatives will be explored in 2011 through a series of Chair's Challenge Breakfasts. At each breakfast, members will be informed about a specific growth-related issue and discuss whether the Chamber should take action and, if so, how.
Of course, the Chamber's mission to strengthen and promote a robust and healthy business climate for its 1200 members will grow and transform as needed. With 14 committees and seven divisions, the Chamber will continue to:
- Nurture productive relationships with public officials.
- Strengthen partnerships with area institutions.
- Provide numerous opportunities to showcase member businesses.
- Foster ever stronger networks among members.
- Inform members about matters of concern to the business community.
As always, the Chamber will reach this year's objectives through the diligent efforts of its member volunteers, who represent businesses and institutions of all sizes and types. Their energy and brainpower are second to none. Like Columbia, the Chamber has a reputation of setting lofty goals and achieving them at the highest levels, all of which is made simpler when divided among many hands. Thank you, members, for your unwavering support of the Chamber.
Businesses that have not yet joined will never find a better time to exploit the opportunities presented through the Chamber in our ever-expanding community.
Vicki Russell
Columbia Daily Tribune
Chair of the Board of Directors, 2011-2012
Columbia Chamber of Commerce
