Public Policy Update: Congressman Shuler Meets with Chamber Members

The Asheville Chamber works hard to provide its members with opportunities to hear from, speak to, and network with elected officials.

Congressman Heath Shuler spent the morning of Monday, July 26, 2010 with 50 business leaders at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber hosted Congressman Shuler for a public policy forum allowing him to give his outlook on the political climate in Washington as well as hear concerns and ideas from the audience.

Congressmen Shuler is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, which is a group of conservative leaning Democrats. Shuler spoke of the group’s 15 step plan to balance the Federal budget, cut government spending and secure America’s future. To see the group’s plan click here.

Throughout the meeting, Congressman Shuler emphasized the idea that Washington politics are broken and operating with a system where the Federal Government is spending more money than they are bringing in. Congressman Shuler told the audience that debt and deficit spending were the key reason for this recession.

Congressman Shuler also used the time to hear ideas and concerns from his constituents. He expressed the importance of citizens contacting their representatives the minute they identify a potential problem. The Congressman made this statement as he referenced the United State’s mortgage crisis. Several audience members made policy suggestions, such as, Federal legislation to prohibit states from being able to offer outlandish incentives for economic development.

If you wish to contact Congressman Shuler you can do so through his website at
http://shuler.house.gov/.

Networking Tips

Thinking about improving your networking skills? Here are ten tips from for successful networking:

From businessknowhow.com:

1. Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.
2. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.
3. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.
4. Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.
5. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
6. Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
7. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.
8. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind.
9. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
10. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.

Stellar Media Plans Growth in 2009

When was the last time you heard of a company positioning themselves to expand in 2009? In the midst of all the negative media coverage of the economy here is an uplifting story. Chamber member Stellar Media is planning some growth in 2009, here are some excerpts from their latest newsletter about the expansion:

About the expansion of Stellar Media into the N.C. Triad Area:
Last year was tough on companies; this year may be even tougher. More than ever, businesses need powerful media marketing tools (like websites, videos, and Flash animations) to maximize their revenue. To better meet those needs, Stellar Media is expanding its geographic market to include the N.C. Triad Area (Winston-Salem/Greensboro/High Point)! Yes, we'll continue to serve clients in Western North Carolina - all over the country, for that matter. But we also need to expand the area we're able to meet with clients face-to-face.

Wedding Bell Videos expansion as well:
Know someone who became engaged over the holidays? Our sister company, Wedding Bell Videos, has been recording weddings as family keepsakes for four years - nearly 200 weddings to date! In 2009, we'll be serving couples in the Triad Area - and also the Triangle Area, through a licensing agreement we've struck with Wil Weldon of Growler Productions in Durham. Wil has the integrity and skills to represent the Wedding Bell brand very well.

Stellar Media has done some great work for the Chamber! Check out the latest project that we worked with them on, a short video promoting opportunities to promote businesses in our visitor center.

YWCA Video

Found this video on the YWCA blog. YWCA is one of the Chambers many non-profit members who do incredible work for our community. Check them out at blog.ywcaofasheville.org!