President's Report: A Message From Our President & CEO Allie Williams

Happy July and Happy New Fiscal Year to the Chamber.
As we continue to celebrate our 95th Year on the calendar, the Chamber has moved to a new cycle for our new year.  In fact, the remainder of 2021 is a short year, and we will begin a fiscal cycle beginning January 1, 2022.  Therefore, our proud and dedicated board of directors is operating one 18-month term.  This is exciting for the Chamber as we will have a better handle on event management, dues revenue and more critical – budget projections so we can continue and expand our offering of world-class programs and services to you, our members.

In the past several months, I have seen our communities open their doors and business is starting to flourish again. I am getting out more and visiting restaurants, retail, industry, and other commercial businesses in areas like the Woodmont Triangle, Bethesda Row, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Pike & Rose and North Bethesda. I am seeing and meeting these business owners and managers who are anxious to return to pre-pandemic numbers.  These great folks are members and prospects of the Greater Bethesda Chamber, and I am doing my part to help them thrive.  So can you!
 
We recently published the 95th Annual Membership Directory.  I hope you received your copy in the mail but do let me know if you need a few copies and I will make sure they get to you.  A digital copy of this is located on the Chamber’s website as well.  I do hope you are taking advantage of the many Member-to-Member discounts offered.  It is important that we continue to buy form one another to ensure comradery within the membership and demonstrate value to one another.
 
This summer, we will be launching our new three-year strategic plan and many of you participated in a market study conducted by Dr. Mary Beth Merrin from Decision Making Research.  These results will help me and our VP for Strategic Planning, Mary Robinson of Capacity Partners start the process with an engaged task force of volunteers.
 
Beginning in September, all meetings will be held in-person and most from the Chamber Boardroom.  For the immediate future, a Zoom link will be provided for those not ready to return in-person, but we do hope the effort will be made to return to Suite 1204.
 
As always, I am available and welcome your call, text, email or visit as together, we are Building a Greater Bethesda.

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