Last year at about this same time, I was writing a similar letter to you as incoming Chairman. In that letter, I asked for the membership's support and active participation in accomplishing the ambitious 2007 Program of Work. It was my top priority to MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM and build upon the work of all of the Chamber's past Chairmen.

When I think about what the Chamber has accomplished this year, three things come immediately to mind:  a beautifully refurbished Fleming House, a new Business Expo and a new Strategic Plan.  Those are three major accomplishments that top a long, long list of very important programs and activities.  Please read the details of everything your Chamber accomplished in 2007.  We are a busy Chamber! 

When I think about the Chamber in general, one big thing comes to mind for 2007:  our Chamber was recognized as one of the top three of its size in the NATION!  Our team of leaders, volunteers and staff are the best. 

And we remember that good things don’t just happen, good people make them happen.  So, first on my list is to say thank you for all the hard work that our many volunteers put into this organization – together, we make a big impact.  And there is more.  We got a new Governmental Affairs Committee off the ground.  We had many highly successful events such as the Education Summit and the appreciation dinners for Fire-Rescue and Law Enforcement.  The first Business Expo in several years was a big success.  We found new ways to help small business and new ways to market our members.  We brought timely and important topics to the forefront through monthly power lunches.  We reached out to businesses in so many ways, including a recent focus on safety. 

I must say a highlight of the year for me was participation in the ECU Centennial through the major project of refurbishing the Fleming House.  We can never thank enough the C.A. Lewis firm and Nancy Bolen Designs who donated their services, as well as the numerous businesses and individuals who made monetary contributions to this important project.  The house is a lasting legacy and a central focus of Greenville, ECU and Chamber history.

And, while it was not a specifically-stated 2007 goal, the timing was right and I applaud the collaborative effort of our local state legislators, the Pitt County Commissioners, the Board of Education, the Chamber and others to achieve final passage the Sales Tax for School Construction. A successful campaign was mounted, and it was a three year effort brought to a successful close. 

As many of you know, I had a little unexpected “sabbatical” this fall.  I was out of commission for several weeks, and the Chamber never missed a beat.  Chairman-elect Austin Bunch picked up many duties and the staff made sure every “chairman-duty” was appropriately covered.  Our Chamber is a well oiled-machine, and I’m proud to have had the opportunity to lead such a fine organization.  I’ll also take this opportunity to say how blessed we are in this community to have state-of-the-art healthcare and a healthcare system to be envied by the rest of the state.  (By the way, I’m back stronger than ever and looking forward to remaining involved).

With great sincerity, I want to thank everyone who has been a apart of this year’s success.  Every member counts – every dollar counts, every hour of time counts and every ounce of support counts.  It takes us all to create success, and we do that well.

In closing, it has been my honor to have served you, the Chamber membership, as Chairman. 

Dorson White
Chairman
2007 Board of Directors