Danville Pittsylvania Co. Chamber readies for challenges

Leaders of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce said during its annual membership meeting Wednesday morning that 2008 was a good year but acknowledged that several challenges lie ahead in 2009.

Outgoing Chairman Roger Gillispie called the past year “a year of the stars.”

“It was a highlight of our year when we learned that the (chamber) had received a five-star accreditation — the highest accreditation possible — from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” he said during the meeting at the Stratford Conference Center. “As chamber members, this accreditation means for each of you the assurance that we have one of the best and most effective chambers in the country.”

Gillispie cited other “starring accomplishments,” such as the chamber’s role in work force development for both adults and in the school systems; the promotion of “entrepreneurial opportunities and training,” increasing the pool of “engaged business leaders in the community;” and enhancing communications with chamber members.

“This past year, we averaged over 1,900 unique visitors each month (to our Web site) with over 60,000 hits per month,” Gillispie said. “Our-quality-of-life magazine has been distributed to visitors, newcomers, new businesses and others interested in our region.”

He also thanked the more than 275 volunteers who had participated in chamber programs over the last year and the board of directors that “worked diligently to provide a strong vision and leadership to our organization.”

Incoming chairwoman, Marilyn Hanover, called the past year a “great year,” but said the challenge is “to take this organization to the next level of leadership” and “constantly reinvent the programs, services and products” to meet the ever-changing needs of the membership.

She told members that during difficult economic times like the region finds itself in now, the Chamber of Commerce can become the “best business partner and promoter” of chamber members.

“In the short-term, the chamber will give you more visibility and exposure for your products and services,” she said. “We are in the business of spreading the word about your business.”

Long-term initiatives to bring success to chamber members, according to Hanover, include expanding the chamber’s role in education and work force development, “recruiting and retaining” young professionals to the region, retaining existing businesses, attracting new businesses and marketing the region.

She also announced a new youth leadership program for 2009.

“The youth leadership program will be launched this fall with area high school juniors,” Hanover said. “It is the hope of the program to assist our youth in their leadership journey while they are still in high school to assist them in becoming better employees and better citizens.”

Acknowledging that the chamber has accomplished a lot in its eight years as a regional chamber, she said, “We have a lot more work to do, and we need your help.”

Hanover also announced the officers for 2009: Chairman-elect David Holshouser; Vice chairs Jeff Haley, Starling McKenzie and Hampton Wilkins; Treasurer Ramsey Yeatts; Secretary Patrick Jinks; and Past Chairman Roger Gillespie.