Report to Members
Executive Director's Report - November 2005

One month as Executive Director of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce has been challenging, exciting and rewarding. My immediate attention has focused on meeting members of the Board and representing the Chamber at various events throughout the Valley. It is comforting to hear the many words of support and encouragement from the staff, Board members, citizens and business owners.

These impressions have only reinforced my initial opinion that the Chamber is today at a critically important crossroad. I look forward to proceeding down the road of continuous improvement and enhancing the relevance of membership services while working at every level to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley. These are challenging yet exciting times for the Chamber. Working together, we have the tools to build an organization that reflects our commitment to excellence. My goal is to have the Chamber viewed as a key and collaborative partner with communities, industry and other interest groups that are committed to making the Blackstone Valley a remarkable and exciting place to conduct business.

In the coming weeks, I will be working with the Board to establish short-term and long-term goals and objectives for the staff and Chamber. Time will be devoted to achieving a better overall understanding of the financial condition of the Chamber. We will continue to develop a commercial and industrial site survey that should prove to be useful for those seeking to expand their business or relocate to the valley. Also, I will continue to monitor major developments related to health insurance, energy costs, and the economic development stimulus legislation currently being debated on Beacon Hill. Finally, I will promote and advocate the Chamber's mission statement to civic organizations, the public and community leaders that the "Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Means Business."

I am particularly interested in hearing opinions and ideas from members and non-members alike about how to make the Chamber a vibrant community-based organization. Please feel free to contact me at any time with ideas, suggestions or comments at (508) 234-9090 ex. 102. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Jeff Ritter
Executive Director