If you were able to join us at the Annual Meeting on October 7, you heard about the phenomenal growth Walton County has experienced during the last 10 years. And no one believes that this growth is anywhere near stopping - quite the contrary. We are truly a community whose composition changes even on a daily basis. It is imperative that, as your Chamber, we are flexible enough to be responsive to the shifting needs of our members.

It was with this in mind that we created our first formal Program of Work. Hopefully you've had a chance to review the document that was included in last month's newsletter to see the changes the Chamber has planned to better address the needs of the membership. We have increased the scope of activity the Chamber will have, expanding the number of committees and the involvement of our members while better defining each committee's objectives.

In our Membership Division, which will be headed by Sylvia Hanks (Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort), our two Ambassador groups will continue their focus on the important task of retaining our current membership base through improved communications. Our newly created Membership Recruitment Committee will help the Chamber to increase our membership numbers and thus, our strength as the largest professional business organization in Walton County. Our Membership Programs & Services Committee and our Special Events Committee will concentrate on the "extras" the Chamber does to add to the benefits of membership.

The Chamber's Community Development & Growth Division will be led by Don Carter (Perdue Farms, Inc.) and encompasses the organization's outwardly focused activities. We've added two new committees: the Business-Education Roundtable, which will foster productive relationships between the business and educational communities to promote programs that produce graduates better prepared to work for local businesses, and the Community Improvement Committee which will pro-actively seek area enhancements that will increase Walton County's stance as a desirable location for businesses, residents and visitors. Our Governmental Affairs and Military Affairs Committees will continue with the work they have performed so well in their areas.

The third Division of the Chamber's structure, the Administrative Division, focuses on the internal operations of the organization. Member involvement can be on the Budget Committee, ensuring the financial well-being of the Chamber, or the Program Committee which creates and monitors the annual Program of Work.

As you see, the Chamber's overall activity in addressing the needs of our members is increasing. We have much to do, and need your help in getting it done. I invite and encourage you to be a active member on one or more of these committees. As a committee member, you will make contacts with other business people that share your professional interests while you make a positive difference in our organization and County.

Please call the Chamber (267-0683 or 892-3191) to get involved in your Chamber.