Chairman’s Report
By David Turner
Happy New Year! I am honored to serve as the 2008
Chairman of the Board of Directors for Missouri’s
Chamber of the Year!
Under the leadership of Dot Baker in 2006, we learned
to value our community’s many assets and take Pride in
the Progress we are making in the area of economic
development. Last year, Bernie Fechtel led the effort
to establish a comprehensive strategic plan which will
guide our efforts for the next several years. In 2008,
I want us to continue the momentum set forth by Dot
and Bernie. I feel very fortunate that my tenure as
Chairman follows these two community leaders.
As Chairman in 2008, I want us to keep our “eye on the
ball” and stay focused on our strategic plan so we can
complete some of the “big picture” projects for our
community:
-
Secure
construction appropriations for the Federal
Courthouse
-
Strengthen
relationships with economic development leaders in
central Missouri and establish a formal regional
partnership
-
Continue
working on transportation issues
-
Launch a
new and improved Chamber website
-
Continue
to develop new initiatives for small businesses that
are focused on potential opportunities in the target
business sectors
-
Work with
the Downtown Jefferson City Association and City of
Jefferson to advance work which is related to
downtown revitalization, the prison redevelopment
project and riverfront development opportunities
Continue our focus on bringing new manufacturing
business to Jefferson City with the help of the
recently completed spec building and the ongoing
development of the industrial park on the city’s east
side
There are many projects in progress and many more
waiting in the wings to be tackled this year. Many
people fear change. The Chamber leadership must be be
bold enough to embrace change, and in fact, be an
agent of change, if it’s necessary for the betterment
of our community. I ask for your support as we work
together in 2008.
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