As with most years, the Chamber was very active in 2012. We spent a great deal of time in the early part of the year refocusing on what drives the Chamber: our important business members. We took a hard look at streamlining Chamber activities to better utilize limited resources on only those activities that added value to our members, while at the same time cutting back staff hours. And we made sure the Chamber continued to comport itself with a high degree of professionalism and with a can-do spirit. As the 2012 chair of the board of the Chamber, I’m pleased to say our dedicated Chamber staff was more than up to the challenge and on behalf of the entire board of directors, I want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation.

Looking ahead to 2013, I am pleased to hand over the reins of the board of directors to my friend and colleague Michael Davenport of DP Security. I have every faith and confidence that Mike will be a dynamic and savvy board chair this coming year. My time as chairman this past year has been a great experience and one I won’t soon forget. And I hope that you – as a Chamber member – continue to find this organization an important ally in your efforts to grow your businesses in Richmond.