Greg Mattacola, Chamber Chairman of the Board
As an attorney, when researching the application of a particular law, I look back at the legislative history to find the true intent behind the statute. It is a process that always proves useful. When assuming the role of Chairman for the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce, I performed that same exercise and was not disappointed with the results. When asking the questions - “What is the Rome Chamber’s intent? What is its mission?” - the answers were right there in our By-Laws, in our own legislative history so to speak.
“The mission of this Corporation shall be to protect, foster and develop the commercial, industrial, retail and financial interests of the City of Rome and surrounding area, to acquire and disseminate valuable business information, to improve the business and manufacturing interests of the Rome area and to aid the interests of the citizens of the Rome area in every way.” That was written in 1952. Yet, if the current Rome Chamber Board were to try to embody the Chamber’s mission today in 2007, it could not be said any better or truer to form than what was written 55 years ago.
It is quite simple really. The Rome Chamber makes the Rome area an easier and better place to do business. We act as a watchdog for our constituents. We help bring business to their doors. We foster relationships and contacts which improve the business climate. We offer professional development opportunities for our members. We provide affordable health insurance for our members and their employees. We improve the quality of life through special events. The list goes on but the theme is the same – the Rome area business environment is better off due to the Rome Chamber’s crucial role.
Yet, to completely serve this business community, we need your help and we need you in our ranks. The more diverse and active our membership is, the better it is all for all us. The Chamber leadership is able to get a more accurate temperature of the business climate and can then respond accordingly. In turn, the members will reap the rewards of a vibrant and involved membership. And the rewards are plenty. Doing business in the Rome area without being a Chamber member is akin to building a home without a hammer or nail gun. You wouldn’t embark on that project without that most necessary of tools so why would you try to build your business without the tool that will protect your interests, bring customers to your door and make the community around you a better place to be in? It is the proverbial “no-brainer.”
So, thank you for your interest in the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce. I hope to personally meet you in the near future, either at a Chamber event or when I reach out to welcome and congratulate you on making a very wise decision by joining the organization which makes doing business in the Rome area easier and better.
See you soon,
Greg Mattacola,
Chamber Chairman of the Board
Posted: 18 Jan 2008
