Woodstock Chamber - new management!

Recently the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce announced its new (interim) Executive Director, Tom Sagendorf. Tom and I spoke this afternoon by phone (I'm in South Carolina), and I am thrilled with the prospects for the Chamber through Tom's leadership.

Tom related that he was retired and seeking a volunteer activity, when he met Rebecca Stiemke of the McHenry County United Way Volunteer Center. Rebecca is this year's member/President (non-employee) of the Woodstock Chamber. Tom's taking on the Chamber management role at this critical time is a tremendous "plus" for the Chamber and for the business community.

This meeting had to be serendipity working at its best. Tom's business credentials are strong, and the fit sounds perfect. Tom brings solid business understanding and background to the chamber at a time when it is needed, perhaps the most in its existence.

Tom's understanding of the position of the Chamber was immediately clear. Chamber membership is an investment, not an expense. Chamber members reasonably expect a positive Return-on-Investment (ROI). Members want benefits from their membership.

Ideally, 60% of a chamber's revenues might come from membership dues and 40% from events. At the Woodstock Chamber, this ratio has been way out of balance (my wording, not Tom's), with the dues accounting for 92% of revenues and only 8% of revenues from events. I believe that members will quickly see steps to correct this imbalance.

The next Chamber mixer will be September 22, from 5:30-7:30PM, at the Family Health Partnership Clinic. Let's hope that all Chamber members will attend and also that many past members of the Chamber will attend to meet Tom and the Board of Directors.

Welcome to the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, Tom!