News
President's Message: Chamber Restructuring
Published: 10/23/2009
In Jim Collins' classic "Good to Great," there is an entire chapter and dozens of references about the importance of getting the "right people on the bus" and then finding the right place on the bus for each person.
I know that these successful companies have great leadership that creates the right chemistry. We have learned, over the past several years, that this chemistry comes about due to a clear understanding of the vision and mission; a set of values that the company lives and breathes every day; and creating an engaging environment where everyone in the company is involved in making it successful.
What Collins does not tell us is what to do when you have the right people on the bus and engagement is off the charts, while at the same time the economy does not cooperate. What do you do when you have to move some of these great people "off the bus?"
Unfortunately, the Chamber is in that very position today....as are many of you. We continue to have great success in our member services programs and in our economic development projects. However, we anticipate our revenue to remain flat in 2010 due to the time it is taking for economic recovery. At the same time, our expenses continue to rise. We have made some difficult choices.
After several interim steps to control discretionary spending, we have reorganized the Chamber in a way that will require fewer staff positions. We are doing this without impact to member services or output in our core business of increasing business, investment and employment in the Greater Omaha area. These changes will position us for both programmatic and financial success for 2010.
Some of the staff people you work with will change as a result of these moves. That is both regrettable and unavoidable. I know you will continue to receive exceptional service from your Chamber.
We are here to serve you, our members, and value your investment in the work we do. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
