Report to Members
Executive Director's Report - April 2006
Board Vacancies:
The Executive Committee tasked a working group, consisting of Directors Joe Barbato, Megan DiPrete, and Janet Amerault to work with me and the Chamber’s Membership Director, Heather Elster to define and implement a strategy for filling the open positions on the Board. Currently, the Chamber has thirteen fully appointed Directors. The Chamber’s Bylaws allow for between eighteen and twenty-one Directors.
The working group met on Wednesday, April 5th to review membership statistical data and to make a recommendation to the Board as how to proceed in filling vacancies. As a result of our discussions we identified the following areas of opportunity to achieve a diverse and representative Board.
- Given the demographics of our membership and the current representation of existing Directors on the Board, we should now seek expanded representation from Grafton, Sutton, Uxbridge, Douglas and Mendon.
- The new Directors should come from the following sectors: retail, health care, manufacturing and tourism.
Please be aware that the Board will consider six appointments from members who have already expressed interest at their next meeting on Wednesday, April 26. If you are aware of someone who lives or works in these communities, who has this expertise, who is an active leader who would make a positive contribution to the Board, then please contact them and request that they contact me.
Events:
Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School hosted a Business Before Hours networking event at the school's Three Seasons Restaurant on Friday, March 31st with approximately thirty-five in attendance.
The Earth Day Cleanup was held on Saturday, April 22nd; dozens of citizens and Chamber members volunteered their time to help us to sustain anenvironmentally clean Blackstone Valley.
Team Appreciation Day Luncheon will be held Tuesday, April 25th at Blissful Meadows Country Club with nationally recognized motivational speaker Dr. Steven Sobel. To pre-register please contact Nagibe at the Chamber Offices at (508) 234-9090 x 100 or register online at www.blackstonechamber.com. The cost is $25.00 for members, $30.00 at the door and $35.00 for non-members.
A Health Insurance Luncheon will feature guest speaker Charles D. Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Inc. on Wednesday, May 10th at Pleasant Valley Country Club. To pre-register please contact Nagibe at the Chamber Offices at (508) 234-9090 x 100 or register online at www.blackstonechamber.com.
Best Regards,
Jeff Ritter
Jeff Ritter
Executive Director
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
110 Church Street
Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.9090 x102
jritter@blackstonevalley.org
