CMBA—10 Years Old and Looking to the
Future
by Peter Leonard, President CMBA
The Board of Directors of the Cedar Mill Business Association has been
going through a period of self-study and planning. The all-volunteer
organization has been in existence for 10 years and can be proud
of its past work in facilitating communication and cooperation between local
businesses. The Cedar Mill News filled an important niche in our community
by presenting business as well as community news that is simply not covered
in other publications. Monthly membership meetings have served both
an educational and networking function as participants learned about other
local businesses and issues ranging from road construction to identity theft.
The Cedar Mill Business Association has contributed or participated in community
events and organizations including the Cedar Mill Library, Sunset High School,
THPRD’s Concert
in the Park and Cedar Mill Days.
This summer, the CMBA surveyed local businesses to better understand
their needs and to gather feedback about the future direction of the
Business Association. Mark Paul, a local business consultant volunteered
his services to design and implement the survey. The survey results
were very clear. Local businesses want the Business Association
to focus on business needs such as attracting more customers and
recruiting employees. Another strong recommendation was to change the meeting
time to the early morning. Many respondents offered excellent suggestions
on how to improve the organization in order to take it to the next level.
The CMBA Board of Directors already met twice to continue planning discussions.
One big question the board is grappling with is “Do
we have the necessary resources to transform the CMBA from its informal
volunteer-run status to a more formal organization better able to respond
to local business needs?”
First, we need to determine who will do what needs to be done to
meet those needs and then we need to set a plan in action.
The survey helped us to learn more about the needs of local businesses,
but we need help from local businesses to meet those needs. We
invite all local businesses to participate in the Cedar Mill Business Association
and to serve on the board. Make plans to attend the next meeting
on Tuesday October 18 at 7:30 am in the library meeting room.
Nominations for board vacancies will be accepted and voted on and suggestions
for future meeting topics and speakers will be welcomed.
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