Chamber seeking directors for board

The Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber is seeking nominations from its membership for positions on the nine-member Board of Directors. Directors are elected by ballot at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on February 6 with a three year term beginning in February. According to Stacy Crimmins, CEO of the Chamber, the terms due to expire are currently held by Laurie Box, Susan Marich and Bob Herring. All three directors have expressed interest in serving another three year term and will be added to the ballot. In addition, there is one open seat that expires in February 2021, due to the resignation of John Blumenthal.

The vision for the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce is to be the “go-to” center for businesses and visitors in the valley. The Chamber’s vision is to be viewed as a trusted, informative and well-represented organization that is in touch with the Valley. Finally, the mission of the Chamber is to serve the Valley businesses and visitors to enhance our economic vibrancy.

“Fulfilling the vision, value and mission statements is definitely challenging but also very rewarding,” expressed Crimmins. Crimmins added, “I believe the Chamber has accomplished great things in the past few years, and much of its success is due to the great people who have volunteered their time to serve on the board of directors.”

Members of the Chamber Board are expected to establish the mission of the Chamber with policies and objectives. They should also exercise financial stewardship and ensure that legal and ethical policies are adopted and followed.

The board is also charged with assessing its own performance as well as that of the CEO. Board members are also asked to advocate for the organization and small business to ultimately ensure success and provide continuity for the organization.

Current Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jonathan Schnal believes, “It’s amazing what people can do when they have a common goal. Serving as a Chamber Director is also an honor.”

To be eligible to serve on the Board, one must be a member of the Chamber either as a business owner/manager or as an employee of a business member.

An individual person can also be an Associate member and thereby be eligible to serve. Crimmins says “It is ideal to have a cross section of the business community on your Chamber Board. That ensures that the membership is well represented.”

Board Members volunteer about 5 hours per month in addition to helping with sponsored events and activities.

For more specific information or questions, please call the chamber office at 326-8855. Crimmins encourages anyone who has interest to visit with a current board member for advice: Schnal (Chairman), Scott McIlvaine (Vice Chairman), Jim Copeland (Treasurer), Cheena Parsons, Shannon Craig, Box, Marich, and Herring.

“These people are leaders in both the business world and in their community and are a wealth of knowledge,” said Crimmins.

Letters of interest may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to P.O. Box 1095, Saratoga.