It is a great joy to lead the North Chamber. As we set course for the future, the North Chamber will focus on connectivity, the millennial generation, small business and broadening member participation. In addition, Membership Council Chair Chris Scherer, Law Office of Chris A. Scherer, has created a new committee led by Maria Barrett, PS&Co, with the goal of sharing the North Chamber’s benefits with 100 new members in 2012.

A recent reminder of the power of an active chamber was the City Council’s approval of a roads/streets bond initiative. In 2007, under the leadership of then chair Terrell McCombs, the North Chamber advocated for the passing of a bond proposal that would address the significant need for street and bridge improvement. That bond passed, and five years later, 149 of the 150 projects are complete. By investing in and maintaining our growing metro’s infrastructure needs we ensure that businesses will continue to originate, relocate, remain and flourish here.

North Chamber programs are in full swing. We are offering monthly CIO Breakfast, CIO Panel on April 5th, Employment Law Update on March 22nd and quarterly Chairman’s Council Breakfast for our highest level of membership. The monthly Networking Breakfast, quarterly Small Business “How 2” and Sustainability Series and the many ongoing committees are also worth discovering.

The recipe for success in a volunteer organization is participation, passion and value proposition. Woody Allen said, “80% of success is showing up.” Will you participate by attending an event or joining a committee? Passionate members succeed because they are willing to roll up their sleeves and contribute their time and talents, thereby multiplying them. Finally, when you define your values and understand how they intersect with the North chamber ideals of business and leadership growth you’ll find this organization to be of great worth.

Finally, I appreciate the many engaged and active volunteers who serve our member businesses. Welcome to Brad Rollins, Dahill, 2013 Chair Elect, and Jim Heaney, Comerica Bank, new Technology Council Chair. I want to recognize and thank the following stakeholders for their support of the Gala: AT&T, Corporate Travel Planners, Dahill, eESI, Frost, Security Service Federal Credit Union, SWBC, Travis Wolff, and USAA Real Estate Co. Congratulations again to Pat Duncan, USAA Real Estate Co., for his deserved recognition as the San Antonian Award recipient.