It was a truly magnificent evening on the lawn at Roop’s Fort Friday as more than 200 guests gathered to celebrate the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce’s anniversary. The focus was on history – the history of local businesses, local tourism and local development, which all fall under the Chamber’s purview.
For well over a century now the Chamber has worked hard to promote business and foster growth in Lassen County, making sure that the outside world could easily find out just what a lovely place we live in. The Chamber helps maintain a strong unity among local businesses, something that benefits all of us who live here.
Past Chamber Board President Theresa Phillips, who served as the Chamber’s Executive Director in 2002 and 2003, explains the role of the organization, “For me personally the Chamber is the liaison between the business community and local government. I think that’s the most important role we play locally.”
Phillips said that local businesses, whether big or small, need to have a voice in how local government sets policy as it pertains to the health of the local economy.
“First and foremost, the Chamber exists to serve the business community – to ensure that fees, taxes, and other mandates that may have an effect on local businesses are fair, just and necessary.”
Secondly, explains Phillips, the Chamber serves as the first point of contact for visitors, folks looking to relocate to the area and potential businesses owners.
“The Chamber’s role is to welcome these folks to the community, help them get the most from their visit to our community, or help them make a smooth transition to their new home, and hopefully, assist and facilitate new business opportunities.”
“Lastly, the Chamber provides important information to the business community, they are an endless resource for business owners,” said Phillips, “The Chamber partners with other local agencies, such as the Business and Career Network, to provide valuable, low-cost or no-cost, classes and training. If a business has a special need or request, the Chamber can almost always help!”
Under the leadership of current Executive Director Patti Hagata the chamber coordinates and actively promotes large-scale annual events like the Main Street Cruise, the Lassen County Fair Parade, the Spring Home Garden and Recreation Show and monthly mixers at member businesses.
Each day Hagata and her assistant Lisa Bernard answer questions, mail out relocation packets to people who are thinking of moving to town, keep track of labor laws and connect businesses with the Chamber’s online member directory.
The Chamber of Commerce office on Weatherlow Street next to the Lassen Historic Museum is a centralized location for disseminating maps and information, and has business cards and literature from all of its members close at hand.
The party, by the way, was exceptional – a very classy event on a perfect evening with lots of friends to say hello to. Well done Lassen County Chamber!
To see even more pictures of the Chamber’s Anniversary Party click here and head on over to SusanvilleSnapshots.com
