I was very impressed with the turnout at this year's Annual Business Awards Dinner.
Last year's event hosted about 600, and this year we were again sold out, not bad considering the economy. Betsy Bracken, a special events consultant who is a former Carlsbad Chamber employee, did a great job of organizing and producing the event, along with the chamber staff.
Carlsbad's fanciest and brightest turned out, and the evening was made that much more special by the presence of world renowned artist Wyland, the Carlsbad-grown Aptera in its latest form and several wounded marines from Camp Pendleton, who were honored for their service.
Aside from presenting a positive picture of Carlsbad's economic health, an event like this makes us all feel good to be a part of this community. But the Carlsbad business community also needs to continue the daily groundwork that keeps our town fiscally buoyant.
The chamber already has stepped up its services to members, despite a loss of staff and resources. In some cases, that means calling on more volunteers to provide the chamber's unique services, or scaling back some events without losing the positive impact.
We expect to hold regular seminars, meetings and forums on issues such as financing, human resources, marketing and management. More and more members are turning to the Small Business Success Center and using the Small Business Success Guide, both unique to the Carlsbad Chamber, to help them stay ahead and grow, despite the seemingly widespread attitude that things will only get worse.
Of course, networking remains an important component for anyone whose business depends on relationships with suppliers, customers and advisors.
You've no doubt noticed by now that the chamber has embraced green business as a theme for this year and beyond. Of course, green can refer to both sustainability and money, and that is the point.
Some people think sustainability measures cost too much in a slow economy, but others recognize that sustainability means long-term survival, and the measures that U.S. businesses, and local businesses, need to focus on are those that will help us to grow and prosper in the long run, and compete in a faster, sharper world economy.
If we use this slower time to regroup and retool, we will be better prepared for the future. So I say bring on the green, and more green will follow.
Last year's event hosted about 600, and this year we were again sold out, not bad considering the economy. Betsy Bracken, a special events consultant who is a former Carlsbad Chamber employee, did a great job of organizing and producing the event, along with the chamber staff.
Carlsbad's fanciest and brightest turned out, and the evening was made that much more special by the presence of world renowned artist Wyland, the Carlsbad-grown Aptera in its latest form and several wounded marines from Camp Pendleton, who were honored for their service.
Aside from presenting a positive picture of Carlsbad's economic health, an event like this makes us all feel good to be a part of this community. But the Carlsbad business community also needs to continue the daily groundwork that keeps our town fiscally buoyant.
The chamber already has stepped up its services to members, despite a loss of staff and resources. In some cases, that means calling on more volunteers to provide the chamber's unique services, or scaling back some events without losing the positive impact.
We expect to hold regular seminars, meetings and forums on issues such as financing, human resources, marketing and management. More and more members are turning to the Small Business Success Center and using the Small Business Success Guide, both unique to the Carlsbad Chamber, to help them stay ahead and grow, despite the seemingly widespread attitude that things will only get worse.
Of course, networking remains an important component for anyone whose business depends on relationships with suppliers, customers and advisors.
You've no doubt noticed by now that the chamber has embraced green business as a theme for this year and beyond. Of course, green can refer to both sustainability and money, and that is the point.
Some people think sustainability measures cost too much in a slow economy, but others recognize that sustainability means long-term survival, and the measures that U.S. businesses, and local businesses, need to focus on are those that will help us to grow and prosper in the long run, and compete in a faster, sharper world economy.
If we use this slower time to regroup and retool, we will be better prepared for the future. So I say bring on the green, and more green will follow.