The year of 2008 at the Upland Chamber of Commerce continues to be one of new ideas, growth and new publications. We will be celebrating our 45th Anniversary of Incorporation in August. Our new Business Directory will be published late May. We have a committed Board of Directors who continue to support new ideas for our membership. Our committees are active. Our membership is strong. We continue to create vision and excitement for the Chamber.

Our interactive web site continues to receive positive responses. We continue to upgrade and update the site as needed in order to provide the best information to you. We are an award winning Chamber. Our 40th Anniversary business directory received a national Excellence Award from Amercian Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Our newsletter Business Impact was an award winner from Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.). The Board of Directors continues with the plan to take the Chamber to a higher level in coming years.

Our Chairman's Circle has proven to be a very exciting added benefit to our members. See the Chairman's Circle web page for information.

Our Chamber enjoys an active partnership with our city government. Open and committed partnerships are necessary for any success and we are fortunate to have such a relationship with our City.

The Chamber and City has in place a strong commitment to our residents and businesses as we create a new marketing campaign Discover Upland which will launch the end of March. Through our own Chamber publication, The Impact, we will be promoting this exciting new program designated to educate and encourage all in Upland about the importance of supporting their local community whenever possible to maintain programs in the manner they expect.

Our 2008 Leadership Development Program has begun for the 7th year. This successful program is the first stop for interested men and women to become involved in and understand their community on a local and county level. If you have been thinking about participating, don't hesitate to contact us to sign up for the 2009 class to begin Feburary 2009.

Benefits to our members continue to grow. With new programs, networking opportunities, marketing tools, and business resources we are truly a Chamber alive with excitement and vision.

We invite you to join us and "get connected" as we continue our vision for the future of Upland Chamber of Commerce members and City of Upland residents by Creating A Stronger Local Economy - Promoting the Community - Providing Networking Opportunities and Representing the Interests of Business with Government. When we work together we are always better.

We salute you, our members and thank you for your continued support of your Chamber of Commerce.

Sonnie S. Faires
President/CEO