Message from the Chairman

 

Marlene Cain, Chairman

Welcome to the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, located in the beautiful city of Big Bear Lake and home to Southern California’s largest four-season resort. 

 

Six new directors joined our Board of Directors this term, and I am enthusiastic about all twelve directors’ commitment to Serving the Member.  To demonstrate this commitment, we have tipped the typical organizational pyramid upside down, with the CEO on the bottom and the Member on the top.

 

What does this mean?  It means that with every initiative, every benefit, every program, every event—our first question is: How will this serve the Member?  That question is the Chamber’s litmus test, the lens through which we examine our activities and ensure we are spending members’ dollars where it matters most.

In addition:

We educate:  by offering workshops, classes, and presentations on topics important to members, such as Small Business Marketing in a Digital Economy, Customer Service and Labor Law

We communicate:  via all media—radio, TV, print and internet-- to promote greater exposure for our members and keep the business community informed of Chamber accomplishments and initiatives

We advocate:  as the representative voice of business to City, County and State officials which results in greater cooperation in assisting businesses, such as state officials providing better directional signage; greater sensitivity to timing and frequency of bridge and road closures which minimizes economic impact on local business, and improving traffic flow when access to the Valley is limited due to closures.

We facilitate:  monthly meetings with state and local agencies, including Caltrans, police, fire, city, county, and forest service, to ensure all entities are “on the same page”, providing a forum for resolving issues benefitting all parties

We innovate:  by reaching out to our second homeowners and building a website just for them

We celebrate:  by recognizing and promoting our member’s achievements

 

Additional initiatives this year that will benefit our members:

 Hosting comprehensive New Member Reception and Orientations

 Launching of this upgraded website

 Introducing next phase of the local shopping program, “Shop Big Bear.”

 

We are excited to look ahead to future initiatives as well, which will include working with our elected representatives to allow California Chambers of Commerce to offer health insurance to its members.

 

But most of all, we are excited about YOU – our members and our guests.  We look forward to welcoming you to our “island in the sky” on your next visit!