It’s no secret that times are tough and businesses are demanding more value for their dollar these days.  Just like you, we are squeezing the most out of every dollar and extending our resources as far as possible while looking for ways to save.  Chances are, your business is re-evaluating programs, trimming unnecessary items from the budget, and finding ways to be more efficient whenever possible.

Chambers of Commerce exist to accomplish four key objectives, namely to help create a strong local economy, promote the community, provide business networking opportunities for our members, and to represent the interests of business to government.   During the past several months, your Chamber has been working hard to re-focus on these core competencies and to ensure that we are doing the best we can at each.

Labor Day is the normal “starting gun” for local elections.  At of the close of the nomination period for the three open City Council seats, there were nine candidates running:  Warren Gubler, Dominic Prado, Mary Wheeler, Jesus Gamboa, Steve Nelson, Mike Lane, Greg Collins, Andrew Miller, and Paul Fry.

Citing recent wildfires in Southern California and several storms impacting coastal regions, the U.S. Small Business Administration is encouraging Americans to be prepared.  Administrator Karen G. Mills reminds the public about the devastating effects of disaster, encouraging everyone to develop and implement disaster preparedness plans.

Internet learning can help you attain your career goals, and provide immediate help with what you need to know.  The internet is changing the way we access information, and there are now a wealth of resources available to learn almost anything you are interested in.  Most of us can no longer afford to go off to trade shows and conventions. Webinars and online learning is a way to keep up without leaving your desk.

Each fall, we get the results for our local students and how they do on their annual state testing.  We’re about more than test scores.  We know that our schools are more than a number and a student is much more than a test score.  We also know that as our students increase their academic skills, they are improving their quality of living for a lifetime.

What started as a forum between Mooney merchants and Caltrans has evolved into a viable group of business people taking an active role in the future of business on Mooney Boulevard.  We are pleased to announce fellow Coffee Klatch member Don Wright of Wright’s Hallmark will be representing Mooney retailers as the newest member of the General Plan Update Committee.

Tulare County will host a celebration to honor the 100-year anniversary of Mooney Grove Park.  The Mooney Grove Park Centennial Celebration is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

If you’re looking for a Halloween fashion show for your pet or a photo of your pooch with a naturally-bearded St. Nick, the Visalia Mall is THE place to be this holiday season - not to mention the grand opening of Macy’s and Black Friday festivities sure to bring in early-bird shoppers.

“I refuse to participate in this recession” is a catchy statement but it’s also very difficult to do. For most businesses, “not participating” is not an option.  You can refuse to buy into the media’s hype of a doom and gloom economy. You can reject the idea that there is no new business to be had. But participate you must. And you can do that by taking action to impact the future of your business.