Your Chamber was again busy this year continuing to emphasize the business resources in our community along with focusing on activities that bring families and young children into the Marlette area. The Chamber Board welcomed many new members who are bringing new energy and ideas to the table. The Chamber sponsored events include:  The Lighted Christmas Parade with special activities for the kids including a visit from Santa, helped support the annual Marlette Country Fair Days, Trick or Trunk, and the Spring Carnival. In 2010, please look for more unique events hosted by Marlette Area Chamber of Commerce. Our hope is that these community oriented activities help acquaint people with all the fine businesses we have in the Marlette area. With your membership and involvement, the Chamber will be able to host one or more of the following events: A Green Expo, Concerts/Art in the Park (help promote our park), Christmas Tree Auction, Harvest Ho-Down (help promote our farming community), Antique Farm Machine Show, etc. If you are interested in getting involved with any of the above ideas or want to become more active in the Chamber, please attend one of our Chamber meetings. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00 A.M. (location varies) or contact Sarah at City Hall for more information at 989-635-7448.

Additionally, your Chamber again maintained an active role in supporting economic development efforts.  We will continue to support efforts by the Sanilac Economic Alliance (SEA) as well as the “Shop in Marlette” campaign and the Chamber Bucks program in 2010. The Chamber also has an active Community Alliance Committee that is working on various areas of the strategic plan.

Membership dues remain the only source of funding for your Chamber and your board members have been good stewards of your contributions as reflected by a healthy fund balance. The Chamber dues are due by February 15, 2010. Please review the change in dues if paid after the February 15, 2010 date on the attached sheet.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your support of the Marlette Area Chamber of Commerce and would request that you and your business continue to be a part of the Marlette Area Chamber of Commerce efforts to keep business in Marlette. Please visit our website at www.cityofmarlette.com for additional information.

Sincerely,

Virginia Labelle,

Chamber President