Chamber Members,

Wow can you believe it is May already?  Well again there were a lot of things going on at the Chamber last month.  We had 10 new members join the Chamber in April, The Women’s Seminar and Expo was a huge success, The events committee is in full swing of planning the Golf Tournament, and the Chamber Luncheon was amazing.  I would like to personally express my deepest gratitude to all of you who participated in the Luncheon.

For those of you who were unable to attend let me give you a quick recap.  We had almost 70 people there to discuss the Chamber.  There were a few questions posed to the group that I hope got people thinking about our area and our local businesses.  One question that was asked was:  “Do you view the Chamber of Commerce an Asset to your company or just a transaction?”  As we had the discussion I hope that all of our members view the chamber as an asset.   We want to be an advocate for each of our members to help grow your businesses.  As the discussion went on we talked about 5 core competencies of what the Chamber of Commerce should be and do.  They are: 1. Economic Development 2. Representing Business in Government 3. Promoting the Community 4.  Provide Business Contact Opportunities (Networking) 5. Political Action.  We discussed that there was a survey taken across the country and these 5 things were the major objectives of what Chambers should be.  So we asked, “How are we doing?”  We really wanted to know and would like to know from all of you who were unable to attend.  The one area that we discussed that we were and are lacking in is #1 Economic Development and increasing the Local Economy.  So that is where our discussion led and we had some really great feedback and ideas of where we needed to go and improve on.

One of the main concerns at the luncheon was why we had no participation at the Chamber Luncheons with any of our local government officials like city council members, mayors, and county commissioners, and if we were participating in the city and county government meetings.  Well I’m glad to inform you that our Government Committee is working on becoming involved in those meetings.  If any of you are interested in being part of the Government Committee our committee chair would welcome your help.

So the other question that we talked about and asked everyone to answer on an index card and turn in at the end of the meeting was this: “Besides the Economy what challenge in your business keeps you up at night?”  We got many responses and it is my goal to be able to help in some of those areas.

The book I’ve been reading lately has really made me realize that our thoughts and what we are thinking control what the outcome is.  I recommend to anyone to read “The Secret”.  If you are struggling with things in your business or life that just seems to keep getting worse or not any better, the thing you must change before it will is your thought about that particular thing.  Negative thinking will continue to bring you the things that are negative, so we must change our thinking to positive thoughts.

We at the Chamber would really like and appreciate any and all of your feedback to your answers to the questions above.  Please take the time to call or email the Chamber Office with your answers or any other things you would like to discuss or see the Chamber do.  It is my great honor to be the Chamber President and would like to give my deepest thanks to all of you who support and participate in our great Community.  My hope is that you all have the most amazing year in your lives and businesses.  Have an amazing May.

JOIN US ON APRIL 26TH AT THE BEST WESTERN PLUS BURLEY INN FOR "BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL

10:30am – 11:30am                 Kristen Trevino Cooking Demo “Healthy Gourmet”

11:40am – 12:00pm                Fashion Show

12:15pm – 1:00pm                  Jane Freund “Don’t Sabotage Your Inner Beauty”

1:15pm – 2:15pm                    Dress For Success

2:30pm – 4:00pm                    Talea DuBois “Stretch Your Dollar By Couponing”

Tickets including lunch $18.00 each (pre-registration)

Tickets will be $23 after April 20th and at the door

Prizes! Over 50 Vendors!

Contact the Chamber at 679-4793 to get your advanced ticket today!

	Tickets are $23 after 4/20/2012 and at the door.

April 2012 Presidents Message

Chamber Members,

Wow what a March it was.  Many great things happened with the Chamber.  At our Luncheon we had another great turnout of over 50 members,  Debbie Dane spoke to us about the NEW Southern Idaho Tourism mobile app and about other things going on in our area on tourism.  The Women’s Seminar and Expo Committee is in full swing and are planning the BEST event ever.  The Mark Moorman/Regatta golf scramble committee is working hard to get a great event planned as well.  Idaho had its first ever Republican Caucus and what a great turnout it had.  These are just a few things that went on and are going on right now.

Also, I just returned from the Northwest Chamber Leadership Conference in Coeur d’ Alene along with Ron Christensen and Kae Cameron.  What a great conference it was and a big eye opener as well.

I think that the main thing that I took away from the conference was presented by Dave Kilby who has been part of the chamber business for the last 30 + years.  His presentation was on “Winning Strategies for 2012 and beyond”.  He stated that there were 3 strategies that we need to do as a Chamber and business owners to make 2012 and beyond great.  They are 1.) CHANGE 2.) INNOVATION and 3.) RISK.

1.) CHANGE:  I hope you would all agree that the way we do business today is not the same as it was even 10 years ago.  We have to continually change how we do business to keep up with all the different challenges that we face.  The same goes for the Chamber of Commerce, if we are not continually changing what we are doing to accomplish the goals that have been set for you our members then we are failing.  I believe we have taken great strides in keeping up with change in the last few years and we will continue to change to give you, our members, greater Value.

2.) INNOVATION: We must continue to be innovative with new ideas, and programs to help you our members to make our Chamber stronger and more effective.

3.) RISK:  We must be willing to take Risks.  As business owners every one of us have taken big risks just to start our own companies, and we take many risks throughout each week, month, and year to better our positions.  We as a Chamber also need to take Risks to further our position in the community we live.

So you all know that the focus of the Chamber in 2012 is to Create more Value for you our members, and that is Goal we have set out to do.  To accomplish this goal we must Change, be more Innovative, and take some calculated Risks.  Our April luncheon is at Conner’s Café on the 12^th, we are planning a great luncheon and we need to see you all there.  It would be record setting to see 100 members there to participate in the discussion.  This luncheon will be like none you have ever been to, and I would like to invite you all to attend.

I would like to take the opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to you all for being a part of our community and our Chamber.  We value you all and want to do our part to help you and your businesses.  Have a great month.

Sweepco, Inc.

165 West 200 South

Burley, ID  83318

678-4298

Sweepco, Inc provides lot sweeping, snow removal and mobile pressure washing.  The company has been serving the Burley, Rupert and surrounding areas since 1990.

The owners are Kent & Shalise Bowers lifelong Burley residents. They have 4 daughters that are 11, 14, 16 and the oldest one who just got married. They send their thanks to those they serve. They sincerely appreciate your loyalty in letting them serve you. They strive to keep your business looking good with nice curb appeal from the street. They love keeping this area clean. Their office number is 678-4298 and the cell number is 670-4298 and they work 24/7. Call them for a free estimate.

March Presidents Message:

Chamber Members,

Wow! What a month!  There has been a lot going on at the Chamber in February.  From Ribbon Cuttings, to Open Houses, to a great-turn out at the Chamber Luncheon with 70 people joining us.  The Committee for the Women’s Seminar and Expo is in full swing and the event is going to be fabulous, better than ever no doubt.  The Ambassadors new “Buck for Luck” program is outstanding and the events committee is gearing up to start planning the Golf Tournament.   There are just so many things going on that are creating value to our membership.

There are many things that I would like to write about but I think that I will write about a life lesson that I learned a long time ago and just recently I was reminded of how important that life lesson really is.  The lesson I am speaking of is the importance of setting Goals for myself in every area of my life.  Please bear with me as I tell a short story about myself and how goals have helped me.

About a year and a half ago my brother, who lives in Boise, started running, I hadn’t seen him for a while and when I did he had totally changed.  He lost around 70lbs in six months.  He looked great!  Well needless to say, he inspired me to start getting into shape and start running myself.  We got together one Saturday and went for a run.  Now mind you, this is the 1^st time I have ran in many years.  He proceeded to tell me we were going to run 3 miles; I probably don’t have to tell you what I was thinking.  I would be lucky just running 100 yards let alone 3 miles.  Well we ran and ran and ran, and I thought for sure I was going to have a coronary right there on the green belt in Boise; this had to be 300 miles!  When I finally finished the 3 miles, I was so proud at what I had accomplished.   Before I knew what hit me, he had talked me into signing up for a half marathon!  Well I started training, if that is what you would call it by running a few miles here and there.  Race day came and my ultimate goal was to just finish the race.  Well as you can see I didn’t die by running a half marathon, even though it felt like I had.    It was the hardest thing I have ever done.  But I had the goal to finish the race and that is what I did.  During the race I twisted my knee and injured my heel but I still finished the race.  I was unable to run for 7 months due to my injuries in the race.  At the end of the race I decided that I would never do that again because of the pain that I had went through.  Well just recently here we go again my brother starts talking me into running another half marathon.  But this time I am going to train the right way and be really prepared.  So we not only are going to run a half marathon in June we are also going to run two 10k’s between now and June to help prepare.  Now you are probably asking yourself what any of this story has to do with anything, let me explain.

When we set goals to do something whether in business or in our personal lives, it may really be hard to accomplish and you may feel like you want to die, or you feel like the goal is unattainable, but the truth is that anything worth having is worth the pain and discomfort it takes to attain it. The key to successfully obtaining a huge goal is to break it down into small accomplishments that move you closer to the ultimate goal.  The funny thing is that once you attain that impossible goal you look back and say “that wasn’t that hard” and you then set your goals higher, you put yourself through a little more pain and Wow you attained that goal as well.

My point is this! If you don’t take the time to set Goals and write them down (Writing them down is the key) you will never achieve or attain anything you will just go through a whole lot of pain and hard work and not know what you have accomplished.

So my Challenge is this:  Set a Goal, Write it down, and determine the steps required to attain it.

Kloepfer, Inc

Pictured is Fred Kloepfer with one of his first mixer trucks from 1955

505 East Ellis Street

Paul , ID 83347

www.kloepfer.com

208-438-4525

Kloepfer, Inc is locally owned and operated. Fred and Janet Kloepfer started the company almost 60 years ago, in 1954 and they have been actively involved in the Mini-Cassia community since then.  Their sons Karl, John and Larry currently operate the business. The company has evolved over the years from a concrete business to include construction services such as road construction and site work.  Additionally, products and services include hauling, asphalt paving, seal coating, chip seal and gravel products are available. The Twin Falls concrete plant is managed by Steven Staubhaar.  The Paul concrete plant is managed by Mike Landrum.  The asphalt plant is operated and managed by the Kloepfer brothers. The Paul office staff is Marilyn Karlson and Sonya Tamcke. Without the incredible relationships with the good people of the Mini-Cassia, Kloepfer, Inc. would not be able to exist.  We love this community and the good people live here.  They are open Monday through Friday 7:00AM to 5:00PM.

Adams Petroleum

210 E 27^th Street

Burley, ID  83318

208-678-1101

Pictured from left to right: Kelly Adams, Brett Adams and Tammy Adams.

Adams Petroleum is a family owned and operated and has been in the same location since 1977. Their father started in the business in 1964 as an agent with American Oil. They wholesale diesel and gasoline to farming and construction businesses. They provide 150 different oil products including lubricants, hydraulic oil and motor oil to the community. During the farming season they are open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday and on Saturdays 8:00AM to 12:00PM. In the off season they are closed on Saturdays.

Edges

Idaho Custom Engraving

700 S Oneida St
Rupert, ID  83350
208-436-2293

Pictured left to right: Nicole Pratt, Tamara Long-Partei, Bill Long-Partei

Edges is a locally owned laser engraving company and they have been in business for 4 years. The store is managed by Nicole Pratt and Tamara and Bill Long-Partei. They offer a unique style of engraving with laser technology which can be utilized on variety of products and surfaces such as crystal, plastic, wood, stainless steel and acrylic. They specialize in missionary plaques, awards and trophies, vinyl lettering for store fronts and custom T-shirts. If you are looking for excellent personal service and affordable rates, please call them at 436-2293. They are open Monday thru Friday from 9 to 5. Also check them out on facebook and on the web www.edgesice.com.

Nobles

1320 Overland Avenue Burley, ID  83318

Pictured left to right John Firth, Carolyn Firth, Maria, Misty, the back row, Connie, Cindy, Rosalinda

In the hunt for bargains and variety, Nobles is the place to be. Owned by John & Carolyn Firth, the discount store opened its doors in 2007. It is conveniently located in Burley at 1320 Overland Avenue and in the store you can find an ever-changing assortment of clothing, furniture, electronics, kitchenware, appliances, flooring, household items, garden and yard equipment and food items and much more. You should stop by often as they receive new merchandise daily. The store hours are Wednesday 10:00AM to 4:00PM, Thursday and Friday 9:00AM to 6PM and Saturday 10:00 to 4:00PM, and they proudly accept Chamber Cash. You can reach them at 208-878-8555.

The Mini-Cassia Chamber Ambassadors hosted a Ribbon Cutting at Idaho Central Credit Union in Burley to commemorate their grand opening. The Burley branch is managed by Dillion Steed and he is pictured cutting the ribbon with his team.

Idaho Central Credit Union was organized as a state chartered credit union in 1940. The Credit Union currently serves over 100,000 members throughout the state, offering a variety of financial products and services for consumers and businesses. The new Burley Branch is located at 110 Overland Avenue. Hours of operation are: Lobby Hours, Monday-Friday 9am-6pm. Drive-thru Hours, Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm. Saturday Hours, 9am-3pm. The business phone number is 208-678-2046. For more information on Idaho Central Credit Union log onto www.iccu.com.