This is a digitally enhanced image.  Signage shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not currently on the building. (Courtesy image)

At a recent Chamber Board meeting, we were sharing some of the many questions and requests that come through our office every single day when a board member said, “The Chamber is basically the Internet Search Engine of the community.”

Honestly? That might be one of the most accurate descriptions we’ve heard.

No two days at the Chamber are ever the same. One phone call might be from someone looking for a plumber, while the next is from a visitor wanting to know where to find the best pasty. We answer questions about local events, lodging and campgrounds, road construction, restaurants, ribbon cuttings, available buildings, community resources, directions, volunteer opportunities, cruise ship schedules, fairgrounds events, and just about everything in between.

Sometimes people call us because they’re new to the area. Sometimes they’re long-time residents who simply don’t know where else to start. And often, they just want to talk to a real person who knows the community.

That’s one of the things we love most about what we do.

The Chamber has always been much more than an organization that hosts events and networking opportunities. We’re a connection point. A resource center. A welcome station. A cheerleader for local business. A problem solver. And occasionally, a community switchboard operator.

We’re proud that people trust us enough to call.

What many people may not realize is that the answers we provide often come directly from our members. Every time we recommend a local business, promote an event, share community information, or help connect someone to a service, we are helping shine a spotlight on the businesses and organizations that make our area special.

That’s why Chamber membership matters. The more connected we are with our members, the better we can help promote and support them when opportunities arise.

So yes, maybe the Chamber really is “the Internet Search Engine” of the community ~ just with a friendlier voice, local knowledge, and probably a few opinions about where to get the best Friday fish fry.

And we wouldn’t have it any other way.