My priorities will be three, coinciding with the Metro Chamber’s mission. First, I intend to ensure that the chamber continues to provide the excellent level of services to which its members have become accustomed. Second, we will continue to be a voice for business—locally, regionally, statewide and nationally. And third, the Next Economy initiative will develop strategies by which regional business support organizations, educational institutions and local governments can work together to foster maximum regional economic growth as we emerge from this most difficult recession.

Economic vitality is central to our full mission: it is why we advocate for business-friendly public policy and it drives the success of your business.

I look forward with great enthusiasm to the opportunities ahead of us. I welcome your questions and suggestions.