Please join us at the Salem Chamber in celebrating another innovation – your new official Chamber publication titled “Business Voice” which you will receive on a bi-monthly schedule throughout 2012. We are fortunate to have a team at the Salem Chamber that is focused on innovation and committed to pursuing relevant initiatives for this region’s community.

January marks the halfway mark of the Chamber’s fiscal year and it is an honor to share with each of you the fact that the Salem Chamber remains financially strong and well poised for the future. As the largest business organization in the mid-valley with over 1,200 members there are high expectations and no room for excuses.

As an organization focused on outcomes, it is our pleasure to share some highlights of the current year as well as some ideas for our region’s future. Your feedback and insights are most welcome as the Chamber continues to forge ahead with a number of projects like the ones outlined below. Thank you for being a partner with us and for sharing your business voice throughout our region.

Business Voice

Director of Communications Jessica Chambers is pleased to announce this new feature of Salem Chamber membership. The bi-monthly publication includes a new look and designated spots for prominent advertising exposure. 3,000 copies will be made for each edition in partnership with our friends at Select Impressions. Share your thoughts and ideas for future editions of Business Voice by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Annual Business Guide

The Chamber continues to print an annual business guide to highlight employers throughout our region who have made the conscious choice to be a part of the Salem Chamber. Please utilize the 2012 Business Guide as a resource throughout the year. The annual publication is also published digitally online for easy access at salemchamber.org

Online Innovation

A flurry of projects continue to be launched online. The Chamber is committed to building strong visibility for members online through social media integration, social media trainings, an interactive media map, promotional videos showcasing local businesses, and more. The Chamber’s own Social Media site, Face2Face, has over 800 members who have proactively created customized profiles to showcase their business. For more information about the Salem Chamber’s commitment to online innovation, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Salem Chamber Mobile App

Early in 2012, the Salem Chamber will officially launch a mobile app for smart phones. This new feature will be an additional benefit to all members of the Salem Chamber and allow you to access the Chamber’s event calendar, membership database and news at your convenience. A special thanks to Triple Diamond Sponsor West Coast Bank for sponsoring the app and assisting the Salem Chamber in the launch of this new technology. Official launch coming soon.

Commitment to Business Advocacy

Strengthening the business community is at the core of who we are. We must stand strong and engage on issues of importance to Salem area employers. Here is a glimpse at some of the advocacy issues that are being actively discussed by the Salem Chamber currently and in the years to come: 2012 & 2013 elections for local office, Courthouse Square timetable, City of Salem Parks Master Plan and Bike/Walk Plan, City of Salem Budget, Salem-Keizer public education, the Vision for Downtown Salem, Salem Police Department facility needs, the region’s playbook for economic development, and Oregon’s unemployment benefits system to name a few.

There is never a shortage of issues that need the attention of our community. The key is to have the best and brightest business minds at the table to help form solutions to challenges we face. And to that end, it is crucial that the quality of our engagement on any given issue not be sacrificed by the quantity of issues to cover. Priorities must be identified and deliverables pursued.

2012 Citizen-Candidates Academy

There is always a need for interested individuals to step up and run for public office or serve on a local board or commission. The Salem Chamber’s annual Citizen-Candidates Academy is that opportunity to challenge yourself and determine if civic volunteering or public office could be right for you. Business owners and managers bring with them a wealth of experience and understand the importance of relationship building, sound financial management, and sculpting a vision that is achievable. Those skills are needed in leadership positions. Promotions for the Citizen-Candidates Academy are coming soon in early 2012.

These are a few highlights of efforts currently being undertaken by your regional Chamber of Commerce. Everyone on this team is committed to the pursuit of outcomes for this community and we thank you for being a member and helping us craft a vision for the future.

Here’s to your success in business in 2012 and beyond.

Jason Brandt, CEO
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce