Berkeley Chamber of Commerce Blog

Deep down we all knew there where economic problems.  We would hear about deals and offerings which seemed better than imaginable.  Or, we would hear about excess spending.  Think about the cost to makeover a corporate executive’s office? Here at the Chamber, we see groups which depend on contributions to offset their operational costs each year.  Some even embark on projects which are in deficit before they ever commence.

To ensure our way back to a healthy economy, we as business leaders and business advocates must make certain strong, sound business practices are implemented within all of our businesses, organizations and governmental agencies.  If we don’t start making this part of our everyday vision, we will jeopardize the stability of our local economy. If we expect other companies and agencies to be accountable, then we must set the right example not only in our businesses, but in all organizations which we personally become involved.

No longer can we believe that cost will be consumed by an imaginary person, or that government is here to absorb the cost.  We must realize deficit is passed to businesses, consumers and taxpayers alike.  Accountability and sound business practices pave the only path toward once again enjoying the status of being the world’s most successful, sound economic model.

Last year at this time, it seems that none of us could foresee the massive global effects and changes we are now experiencing.  The economic downturn is literally touching everyone around the world.  When reading trade magazines, news articles, blogs and data, I find many experts discussing how long it may be until the economy, country and world bounces back.  I say, we will NEVER bounce back to what we were a year ago.  No, I’m not being pessimistic.  In fact, I believe much good will result.  Let me explain why.
 
I believe we are entering a paradigm shift.  We’re past mountains and valleys.  If you look back through history, this is one of those “perfect global storms”.  I believe after we travel through this “storm”, business will not be the same.  The businesses who survive and prosper are the ones who will grasp how this shift will affect our general thinking, economy, nation and world.  Some businesses will rebound quickly.  Others may take a bit longer to cycle through their changes.  In reviewing national trends, I believe the result will be a new found commitment to strong and secure employment.  Financial security, rather than simply just “income”, will become more important.  People will begin looking for employment opportunities and businesses they can grow in to and support themselves long-term. The result? Growing and sustaining profitable businesses will become the priority of the future.
 
A similar shift occurred after WWII, when people truly began examining what is critical and essential to their well being and the well being of their families.  I believe that people across the globe will begin to redefine what is truly important.  Nationally and globally we are in a recession.  Unemployment is at record levels.   We need to begin demanding a higher level of accountability and credibility from our elected leaders.  We need to hold our leaders accountable to  build a stronger infrastructure, provide a quality education to all people and return to the dedication our forefathers had to not only building a great nation, but ensuring our great nation remains great!
 
When we come out of this, we will all have different priorities in life.  In fact, if you examine your life, you will probably find that your priorities have already changed somewhat from what they were a year ago. We not only need to remember these uncertain times, but we need to document them and pass our stories on to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Today, few of us truly understand just how serious the Great Depression was for our country.  If we had, would we be where we are today?  We need to embrace these times as a learning opportunity and commit ourselves to re-examining our priorities and secure a better tomorrow for our future generations.

The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the debut of our Small Business Network, sponsored by Berkeley Electric Cooperative. This is an excellent opportunity for both new and existing businesses. We will be meeting the second Tuesday of every other month, bringing in professionals to help guide small businesses and discuss strategies to help these businesses grow even during these challenging economic times.

When a business is going strong, sometimes we become complacent and it can be difficult to identify new ways to increase customers and revenue. The positive aspect about a “down” time is it affords business owners the opportunity to re-evaluate their business unit. Has technology changed? Can you broaden your market? Are their ways to diversify your offerings? Our Small Business Network is designed to help spark important questions such as these, while allowing the opportunity to learn and brainstorm new ways to help make your business stronger.

The economy is beginning to level itself. We are currently in the “valley”, so to speak. Now is the time to analyze your businesses strengths and weaknesses. Now is the time to stay ahead of the game. And, if you are considering opening a business, NOW is actually an excellent time to do so. Some of the most successful companies were founded during tough economic times. Kellogg’s, for instance, was born during a tough economic time. Now, still going strong over 100 years later, the company is “the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit snacks, frozen waffles and veggie foods. Kellogg products are manufactured in 17 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries around the world.”**

Opening a business now places you ahead of those who are “waiting” for the economy to peak. When the economy does “peak”, you will have already established yourself, learned your market, developed your strategies and be ready to take full advantage of a future economic “boom”.

Our first meeting is Tuesday, May 12th from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Berkeley Electric Cooperative community meeting room (2 Spring Hall Road) in Goose Creek. Feel free to bring your lunch, a variety of drinks will be provided. We are very excited to offer this program to help our new and emerging small businesses grow. I look forward to seeing you there!

** According to www.kellogs.com

As a Chamber of Commerce, we recognize the importance of reaching out to ALL people.  We recently launched a new social media campaign.  We are on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr is coming soon.  Thanks to WCBD-TV Channel 2, we also have podcasts to download.  We feel it is important to stay in tune with this new generation of public and community relations tools.  We also feel strongly about developing tomorrow’s leaders today.  We put out a call for nominees for our new Emerging Leaders Network.  Within a week, this exciting program was full. We now have a waiting list.

As we continue to move forward to serve our members and community, we want to hear from you.  What types of programs do you want to see in Berkeley County?  What issues and topics are of most interest to you?

Let me know.  Your voice is important.

Here at the Berkeley Chamber, we are not only the “Leading Voice Of Business in Berkeley County”, but also the leading voice of tourism.  While some areas have a separate Convention & Visitors Bureau, we handle all of the tourism marketing efforts directly from our office.  Our aggressive marketing efforts continue to pay off.  In fact, just when many areas were experiencing a decrease in tourism, we ended 2008 with a 6% increase.  It is important to find a happy balance between tourism and business development.  No area can thrive, or even survive for that matter, on tourism dollars alone. New business and industries are essential.  However, tourism is the perfect “compliment” to an emerging area such as Berkeley County.  Tourism does bring dollars into our area, and does provide cash flow to businesses such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, gift shops, etc.  One of our challenges we constantly face is ensuring we have unique and diverse activities to offer.  The Berkeley Chamber recently entered into a partnership which will ultimately benefit the entire tri-county area.  We have teamed up with all of our member hotels in Berkeley County, Gahagan Sports Complex, also a member, in Dorchester County and Lancaster Trailways of the Carolinas, a new member in Charleston County, to offer special day trips for sports teams and their family members who come to the area for sports tournaments.  We are hoping this effort will help stimulate additional cash flow not just in Berkeley County, but Charleston and Dorchester Counties as well.

Have any thoughts on programs we can offer out-of-town visitors or a tourism marketing effort which may positively impact your business? E-mail me, I would love to hear your ideas.