Look How Far We've Come

By Carolyn Ten Broeck

Executive Director

When I started with the Chamber Jan. 1, 2017, I already had a full-time demanding job, but since the Chamber and that position were in the same building, it was something I could manage in my down time and evenings.

That board of directors and I agreed I would work about 12 hours a week - more during our main events (the annual banquet and Peanut Festival) and by doing so, I'd have a little pin money AND it would save the Chamber about $500 a month.

Back in those days, $500 was A LOT of money. You see, the Chamber had experienced a major financial setback early in the 21st century and more than a decade later, it was still rebuilding.

I was determined that even if my time as executive director was short-lived, I would do what I could to get the Chamber back on track. Why? Because I believed in it and I believed in Williston.

As executive director, I am basically the CEO and CFO, answering to a nine member board of directors. I've always taken both roles seriously and from the beginning, I ran the Chamber's budget like I did my personal budget. First, I cut the fat. Anything and everything that wasn't absolutely necessary was eliminated. Then I looked for other revenue streams. I comparison shopped for goods and services.

Within a year, things were looking up, our numbers were growing and our biggest fund-raiser netted more profits than in years before.

In time, and with the board changing every year due to our rotating slate of directors, we added another fundraiser or two and that enabled me to start offering more to our members. Among those first perks was the Lunch & Learn, food sponsored by a business host and everything else paid for by the Chamber. From Lunch One, it was a success and continues each and every month to prove its value.

In those early days, aside from a few ribbon cuttings and a random Business After Hours, the Chamber did only the banquet and Peanut Festival. July 4 was a city event and the city helped a charity, like Relay for Life, do Light Up Williston.

In the last nine years, we not only do the two "biggies", but we've turned Light Up Williston into not just a city event, but a regional event called Williston Winter Wonderland - where everything is free and Santa is always on hand.

We've done touch-a-truck with our Miles of Smiles, a barn dance, two Starving Artist Showcases, a beef raffle and our now highly anticipated Steers & Beers Steak Dinner.

We still do ribbon cuttings and grand openings. Lunch & Learn is held at least nine times a year. Business After Hours (Mixers) are sponsored seven to 10 times each year.

We've hosted FREE workshops for our members, now called partners (because we are in this together!) on topics ranging from navigating social media to how to tackle QuickBooks.

We brought in a world-class inspirational speaker to remind us that we are "Stronger Together."

All of these marvelous add-ons are due to hard working boards, tremendous volunteers and of course, our partners.

My 12-hour workweek went by the wayside after that first year and I "retired" from my fulltime job to focus on the Chamber. Technically, I'm still a parttime employee but it won't be long until this Chamber needs a fulltime advocate in the form of the executive director. Our volunteer Ambassadors have taken a substantial load off me and last year, I was able to hire another parttime worker to assist in the office. Among us all, we get it done!

And financially? I'm pleased to tell you that all the scrimping, saving and fundraising paid off! The Chamber is solvent and is able to offer more and do more.

The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce is on the move - on the grow and leaping into the future. We encourage you to be a part of it.

 We've connected the public with our partners. We've connected our partners with one another. And along the way, we've all benefitted from those connections whether it's been a business relationship or forging lifelong friendships.

We are Better Together.

Carolyn Ten Broeck -- Executive Director