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Chamber Weathers Tough Year

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By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: January 21, 2009

BRANDON - The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, established in 1959, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Marsh Rainey, 2008 chairman of the group's board of directors, praised chamber staff and volunteers for their response to a year rife with challenges for businesses across the board.

"I have seen the resilience of the staff and volunteers up close and personally since 2000," Rainey said. "I believe there are a lot of organizations out there that could learn much about management and discipline by observing the workings of this group."

Rainey said the chamber redoubled its efforts to expand its membership base in 2008 by launching programs geared toward two growing and underserved segments of Brandon's demographics - Hispanics and young professionals.

"It was time to reach out to both of these burgeoning sectors of our market," he said.

Looking ahead to 2009, Rainey said now more than ever businesses need networking organizations such as the chamber in their corner.

"It is critical that small business owners and even employees of larger firms get out to network, meet and greet with ... others in the business community," he said. "Inertia will not take care of your bottom line in these times."

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523.

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