My time as your chairman is concluding. After two years, new leadership will assume its place at our annual dinner next month. As I look over my shoulder at two years of service to the community and the chamber, I could not be more positive about the future.
The list of topics and accomplishments we have worked on together has been long and rewarding; our efforts have built new bridges and strengthened old ones. We have found new paths, forged new partnerships, met new friends and reconfirmed the value of long time relationships.
Together, we have addressed a multitude of important topics to our community, to businesses and to our region. The list includes:
Marketing Carlsbad as its own destination brand so we may benefit each of our businesses through our collective outreach efforts;
Creating a plan to revitalize the Village core in order to preserve existing businesses and encourage new start ups while looking to create new housing options;
Further strengthening our relationships with the city's elected leadership, including Mayor Bud Lewis, who was thankfully re-elected along with Council members Matt Hall and Mark Packard;
Tackling the subjects of affordable housing, open space preservation, long term water supply via desalinization and providing role models for our community's youth who will succeed us as business and civic leaders.
I also enjoyed commenting on subjects that are close to my heart and are inexorably linked to successful business management, not the least of which includes corporate philanthropy, service leadership, business ethics and fostering an attitude of continual learning in our own companies, with our own employees.
The recently concluded election cycle was encouraging for some, disappointing for others. Having traveled far and wide, my take on the political process is this, we are extremely fortunate to be able to express our individual and collective opinions at the ballot box, in the barber shop or day spa and at the water cooler without fear of retribution or worse. Worldwide, the examples are legion in 2006 of personal oppression and political tyranny for those who dare to dissent from the ruling class or those in power. And yet, just weeks ago, we were each privileged to cast a vote. I hope you participated in this valuable privilege.
Our economy is healthy. Our city is fortunate?by design. Our businesses operate in a local climate of cooperation and encouragement. We are, indeed, blessed to live and work in Carlsbad.
We have continuing challenges in our path, both in the short term and over the horizon. They include affordable housing, an educated and adequate labor pool, fiscal conservatism in our public sector, traffic and infrastructure improvements and protection against over regulation.
I am confident that our new class of chamber and civic leaders are energetic, intelligent and visionary. They will continue to advance the good work we have begun, while adding their own constructive imprint and signature upon the way.
Won't you join their efforts? Support the necessary involvement that community and business activism requires by volunteering to serve your chamber in a leadership post. Better yet, mentor a new employee or a high school student who might one day want your corner office or the mayor's job at city hall. The enthusiasm of a bright new day, coupled with an atmosphere where an innovative idea can flourish, is the essence of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and our city. Ted Owen and his team have made it their business to make sure our businesses succeed. We owe each of them a significant debt of gratitude. I feel confident also, that I am leaving the chairmanship in exceptionally capable hands with Paul Thompson, who will be our incoming chair. He is inheriting a first class organization. I wish him every success.
One chapter closes and it is mine. Another opens, and it is yours. Seize the day, for yourself, your business and your community. Blessings upon your home and family this season. I look forward to greeting each of you at our annual installation dinner.
The list of topics and accomplishments we have worked on together has been long and rewarding; our efforts have built new bridges and strengthened old ones. We have found new paths, forged new partnerships, met new friends and reconfirmed the value of long time relationships.
Together, we have addressed a multitude of important topics to our community, to businesses and to our region. The list includes:
Marketing Carlsbad as its own destination brand so we may benefit each of our businesses through our collective outreach efforts;
Creating a plan to revitalize the Village core in order to preserve existing businesses and encourage new start ups while looking to create new housing options;
Further strengthening our relationships with the city's elected leadership, including Mayor Bud Lewis, who was thankfully re-elected along with Council members Matt Hall and Mark Packard;
Tackling the subjects of affordable housing, open space preservation, long term water supply via desalinization and providing role models for our community's youth who will succeed us as business and civic leaders.
I also enjoyed commenting on subjects that are close to my heart and are inexorably linked to successful business management, not the least of which includes corporate philanthropy, service leadership, business ethics and fostering an attitude of continual learning in our own companies, with our own employees.
The recently concluded election cycle was encouraging for some, disappointing for others. Having traveled far and wide, my take on the political process is this, we are extremely fortunate to be able to express our individual and collective opinions at the ballot box, in the barber shop or day spa and at the water cooler without fear of retribution or worse. Worldwide, the examples are legion in 2006 of personal oppression and political tyranny for those who dare to dissent from the ruling class or those in power. And yet, just weeks ago, we were each privileged to cast a vote. I hope you participated in this valuable privilege.
Our economy is healthy. Our city is fortunate?by design. Our businesses operate in a local climate of cooperation and encouragement. We are, indeed, blessed to live and work in Carlsbad.
We have continuing challenges in our path, both in the short term and over the horizon. They include affordable housing, an educated and adequate labor pool, fiscal conservatism in our public sector, traffic and infrastructure improvements and protection against over regulation.
I am confident that our new class of chamber and civic leaders are energetic, intelligent and visionary. They will continue to advance the good work we have begun, while adding their own constructive imprint and signature upon the way.
Won't you join their efforts? Support the necessary involvement that community and business activism requires by volunteering to serve your chamber in a leadership post. Better yet, mentor a new employee or a high school student who might one day want your corner office or the mayor's job at city hall. The enthusiasm of a bright new day, coupled with an atmosphere where an innovative idea can flourish, is the essence of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and our city. Ted Owen and his team have made it their business to make sure our businesses succeed. We owe each of them a significant debt of gratitude. I feel confident also, that I am leaving the chairmanship in exceptionally capable hands with Paul Thompson, who will be our incoming chair. He is inheriting a first class organization. I wish him every success.
One chapter closes and it is mine. Another opens, and it is yours. Seize the day, for yourself, your business and your community. Blessings upon your home and family this season. I look forward to greeting each of you at our annual installation dinner.