Challenging year

2010 has been a challenging year but in the last quarter I see an increase in local business activity and hiring. It has been a long recession. The businesses that survive are better for it.  Businesses have learned to operate leaner and more efficiently.   Your Easley Chamber of Commerce has made it its culture to provide value to your membership expense.

Our membership in 2010 has basically remained flat at about 435 members. We had four seminars this year to help small businesses.  We are emphasizing social media and Facebook as a low cost method to advertise for small businesses.

Our website www.easleychamber.org continues strong, averaging 336 unique visits per day which is an increase from 220 visits per day in 2009.  Financially, your chamber met its annual budget with a slight surplus due to good cost control and the support of your membership investments.  Needless to say, we appreciate our members and their support.

Directors

I have mixed feelings at year end as I look forward to five new board directors who will help lead us for the next three years. I want to thank the five members rotating off the board who have given their time and effort these passed three years.  Fox Simons, Vicki Fletcher, Dr. Jonathan Strange, Eric Goodwin, and Rusty Bynum have served the chamber well and will be missed at board meetings.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

As we are in the Christmas season, remember this is the birthday of Jesus Christ. Keep your family, friends, and church in your mind at this time of the year. Best wishes and a Merry Christmas from Fran, Mary, Jean, and Kent.