B/CS Chamber of Commerce Connections | Page 3

presidential PERSPECTIVES Rich White Chairman Robert “Bobby” Bisor Chairman-Elect/Administration Glen Brewer Immediate Past Chairman Kathy Krusie Vice-Chair Community Enhancement Uri Geva Vice-Chair Communications Mary Beckman Vice-Chair Leadership Jody Rodriguez Vice-Chair Membership David O’Neil Vice-Chair Business Enhancement Arty Brieden Vice-Chair Finance & Physical Resources Paul Atkinson Stephen Beck Neal Briers Lori Bruffett Sharon Burt Crystal Dupre Vicki Flenniken Katie Fox David Gardner Rudy Grimaldo Barron Hobbs Jason Jennings Rayne Knight Chase Murphy Casey Oldham Brandi Ring-Cooper STAFF President/CEO Royce Hickman Director of Finance Lori Farrell Director of Operations & Public Affairs Burl Haigwood Manager of Business Programs Lucia Cropper Manager of Member Services Carrie Archer Membership Investment Representative Heather Barlow Communications Coordinator Brittany Coker Executive Assistant Tracy Bates Inner Circle Members Make a Difference! This Chamber’s strength has always been in our members. Our members provide the financing and the volunteers we need in order for us to continually work on the accomplishment of our mission – “To enhance the economic well-being of the businesses in the communities we serve.” When I visit with other chamber executives in Texas they are always amazed at the number of volunteers we have involved in our programs and the level of commitment we enjoy from our members and our volunteers. However, in this article I want to focus on the support we receive from a special group of members – our Inner Circle. The Inner Circle was established in 1988 to provide special recognition and benefits to those members who show extraordinary support for the Chamber and its activities. Membership in the Inner Circle offers an opportunity to attend private luncheons and receptions that feature top level briefings by prominent political, business and community leaders as well as a number of other special benefits. It is composed of a group of committed business men and women who believe so strongly in our community that they have stepped forward and committed their resources above and beyond the call of duty. Most pay annual fees to the Chamber that exceeds the minimum amount that is required for their membership. Most businesses who become Inner Circle Members do so because