Chamber of Commerce is gaining members, improved reputation

Published on Page 10 of the August 21, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Robert Airoldi

John Horner

John Horner

Going back to the basics can often help an organization move forward — and that’s exactly what’s happening at the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce.

Since the resignation of President and CEO Christine Guisiana earlier this year and the ascension of board member John Horner to the top position, the chamber has reorganized, hired a part-time membership customer service representative, become more efficient and increased networking opportunities.

The chamber is going back to basics and giving the business community what it needs to thrive, Horner said. “We’re just doing what a chamber of commerce should be doing,” he said, in reference to daily phone calls to member businesses, regular ribbon cuttings and an improved newsletter. “It’s not me, it’s the whole team,” Horner said.

And that team now consists of 14 dedicated board members and an enthusiastic staff. New board member Danielle Davenport, a founding member of the South Valley Angels, said she sees the chamber performing with a renewed energy and a comprehensive purpose.

“By joining the chamber’s board, I am hoping to help with this reinvention: broadening our value and extending our reach,” Davenport said. “The board members are putting their collective expertise together to deliver upon a great portfolio of business programs. These range from expanding our commercial business base — making Morgan Hill available live/work place option to increasing tourism and expanding our services revenue.”

Former mayor and business owner John Varela recently joined because of the renewed energy, he said. “With a local business owner at the helm steering a strong committed and business-savvy board of directors with the desire to attract new business while paying attention to businesses already located in Morgan Hill … I’m all in,” Varela said.

Davenport and Varela are working with community leaders to improve students competitiveness through a program known as NextGen Innovators & Entrepreneurs, designed to create the business leaders of tomorrow.

In the office, recently hired Erin Machado has been busy networking with local business owners, showing them the value of joining the chamber.

She and office manager Janis McDonald have signed up 33 new members since April. In the first four months of the year, 20 new members joined.

“The No. 1 goal is driving high quality, long-term economic development for the community. You need great jobs people enjoy doing they can make a living at. Everything the chamber does ties into that.”

The chamber recently installed a new membership database that is easier to use. Now billing, member tracking and member contacts are all in one system.
In a couple of months, the chamber will upgrade its website to integrate it to include event registration online.
When the project is done, businesses will be able to update contact information, photos and logos themselves on the chamber website.
“We have to prove we know how to run a business before we can take on innovative projects,” Horner said.

In addition to the NextGen program, the chamber’s Economic Development Committee is looking at whether or not Morgan Hill can support an incubation program where local startups can incubate and grow. “My greatest wish would be to see a local business person start a new company here that grows to become the next big thing,” Horner said.

And whether or not some of the recent new members will become the next big thing, they are finding value. As a new business owner and a resident of Morgan Hill, Stephanie Miras, owner of Swifty Sweets Mobile Frozen Yogurt, said joining the Chamber of Commerce proved to be a smart choice for her business.

“Not only is the staff incredible helpful, but they’ve provided opportunities for my small business to be a part of and grow,” she said. “We’ve made some great connections as a result and enjoy being able to support our community and local businesses.”

Kelli Aita, owner of Polar Express, echoed those sentiments. “I am so happy I joined the chamber,” she said. “Being from Gilroy, I didn’t know anyone in Morgan Hill. But I was so warmly welcomed and have had more opportunities that I would have ever had if I didn’t join. Networking is vital to a businesses success and the Chamber of Commerce makes that so easy.”

The key is to work with the business community, find out what people need to thrive here, and help them any way the chamber can, Horner said. “We have a lot of resources in this community,” he said. “Resources beyond our wildest dreams. We have a base of talent. How do we provide the opportunity to put that talent to use?”

Robert Airoldi is a chamber board member who volunteers at the Friday Night Music Series.