There is no longer any doubt that the country has landed upon tough economic times. We are reminded of this every day in the national media, often with a doom and gloom spin. The question is how is Kingman fairing in this difficult economy and where will it go from here?

The Chamber has seen a number of business have to close their doors in the last three months. Many of us have a friend or friend of a friend who has lost a job due to cut backs. But let's keep things in perspective. Kingman recently experienced the most growth it had ever seen with the height of the construction boom. Many new jobs were created, median income increased and we enjoyed considerable prosperity. It may seem as though times in Kingman are tough, but really it's just relative to our former all time high. Historically speaking, Kingman's not too far off where it was just seven years ago. Although some businesses are having to shut their doors, we're also still seeing a lot of new growth and new members. Consider some of the great new commercial projects nearing completion that will be adding to our local job base and local economic upturn: the new hospital, the Nucor steel plant, the prison addition, and lots of new retail.

An fact that is very important to remember is that we have more control over our local economy than you may think. By spending money here in Kingman where possible instead of traveling to other communities, ordering on-line, and other non-local avenues, we can insulate Kingman to some extent from the national recession. Dollars spent in Kingman means dollars earned in Kingman means jobs staying in Kingman and a strong local economy. Where does the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce fit into the picture - EVERYWHERE! The Kingman Chamber is businesses' best resource for making their products and businesses known to community members and other communities as well.

If there is one investment that is well worthwhile right now it is your local chamber. Consider our core commitments:

1. Provide networking opportunities so you are able to network with other businesses and find out what they are doing during these tuff times. Get your business name out to those who may need your business or services. Remember that people do business with people they know.
2. We help create a strong economy by offering education resources, offering businesses to promote through out broadcast fax/e-mail program. We have an on-line and print directory that promotes your business along with many inexpensive advertising opportunities.
3. We promote our community through our partnerships with the county and city. Our tourism department promotes Kingman through print, web-site and trade shows. We send hundreds of relocation and recruiting packets our each year.
4. We also represent the interest of our businesses with government on all levels. We have a committee that watches local, state and federal issues that concern our businesses and take stands.

As your Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer, I have faith in our business community and in Kingman as a whole. I urge you to play a positive role in helping insulate Kingman from the harmful effect of pessimism and the national economic distress by supporting your local community and chamber of commerce. Your chamber is here for you and for Kingman!

Sincerely,
Beverly Liles
CEO
Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce