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Letter from the CEO

Annually, the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce publishes the Membership Directory and a Buyer’s Guide. It is done as a service to our membership–but also as a service to consumers that do business in the Fresno area.

Over the years, we have found that consumers find it advantageous to do business with those companies that are members of the Chamber. Why? Because there is a trust factor that surrounds businesses that are active in community affairs and the Chamber fits that role.

Supporting this claim is a recent national study done by the research company, The Schapiro Group. In that study it indicated that:

Of consumers, 63 percent were more likely to buy goods and services from a company they believe is a Chamber of Commerce member.

Of those consumers, 51 percent were more aware and 57 percent were more likely to think positively of a business’ local reputation if those consumers are told that the business is a local Chamber member.

Chamber members have found it profitable to remain aggressive in their marketing efforts–especially in a down economy. Knowing the universe is smaller, Chamber members are aware they need to get a bigger piece of the pie. Continuing to be involved with the Chamber and the community helps toward that effort.

Commenting on the Schapiro study, Doug Kinsinger, Chairman of The American Chamber of Commerce Executives stated, “while industry and professional affiliations are valuable to companies, their Chamber membership provides a localized mission and an offering of benefits needed to help the business grow and prosper.”

Inside the pages of this book you will find the names and addresses of each and every member in the Chamber and Buyer’s Guide that can deliver goods and services for every business category. Based on the above research, checking here first and doing business with these companies will assure you of a high caliber of performance.

Also, it is always important to remember what the core values of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce are

• To promote a Strong Local Economy
• To provide Opportunities to Network and Build Relationships
• To deliver Programs to Help Businesses Grow
• To represent and Advocate of Behalf of Business
• To enhance Commerce Through Community Stewardship
* To the 2000 member investors of the Chamber, we thank you for the investment in our city's future. We are proud to provide this resource.

Sincerely,

Al Smith, Chief Executive Officer/President
Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce
2331 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
559-495-4800
559-495-4816 (voicemail)
559-495-4811 (fax)
alsmith@fresnochamber.com