Issue link: http://visitithaca.uberflip.com/i/934704
2 I'm both flattered and honored to serve as Board Chair for the Chamber in 2018 after serving on the board the past three years. In my role at TC3, I seek to engage with our community to identify needs and match them with TC3's resources to best serve Tompkins County. Our Chamber is THE organization that explores and engages our community around myriad issues to constantly improve and enhance the lives of our citizens, our businesses, organizations, and visitors. The Chamber and its incredible staff tackle many complex and often polarizing issues, inform our membership, and then take action steps to make good things happen for us all. Since joining the Board, I've been so pleased to see efforts that have enhanced our Waterfront Trail, Stewart Park, and the Black Diamond Trail. I've seen the expertise of our Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau gain global attention to our region via expert social media campaigns. I've learned about tough energy and environmental challenges we face as we balance economic growth with greener approaches to energy use. Ithaca has experienced and unprecedented building boom, but commensurate housing shortages and affordability issues must be addressed. Looking ahead, I look forward to seeing our new Tompkins Center for History & Culture develop on the Commons. Our Chamber strives to be a more inclusive organization, serving the needs of this diverse community in the years ahead. It's been quite a ride, and I look forward to more in 2018. As I step down as the Chair of the Chamber Board I feel so very good about where the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce is today. Our membership continues to be vital and is growing. I'm proud of the admirable job we're doing of offering a diversity of programs and events designed to appeal to the wide range of businesses and institutions – both large and small - that make up our membership. We are very fortunate to be led by the incredibly hard working Jennifer Tavares and the amazing staff she has assembled. This team of talented individuals ensures that we are an organization that stands out among the rest. We are equally fortunate to have our Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) headed up by Peggy Coleman. Our area's natural beauty undoubtedly draws people to Tompkins County but the creative and knowledgeable CVB staff is expert at helping to maximize that experience for every individual they serve. I want to thank each member of this year's Board for their hard work and dedication. It has truly been an honor to serve as chair for the past two years. I wish my successor, Paul Brenner, the very best and look forward to our continued endeavors towards making our Chamber and CVB the 'go to' place for business and tourism in Tompkins County. Outgoing Chair Jerry Dietz, CSP Management & Just Be Cause Center Incoming Chair Paul Brenner, Tompkins Cortland Community College