LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

The Chamber of Commerce. Because a great community needs great business.

Just a little off the topic, I remember sitting in a group meeting at the end of March and hearing a comment that March certainly wasn't "going out like a lamb". The proverbial phrase about the third month of the year states 'March Comes in like a Lion; Goes out like a Lamb'. Hmmm... and that was certainly true, there was no lamb in sight at the end of the snowy month! But, because of the wonderful snowy winter we now have the honor of seeing Upper Lake Mary and Lower Lake Mary full to the brim for the first time in probably a decade...or more. If you haven't driven out to see them flow, please think about it. It's a sight for sore eyes.

Today I wanted to sharpen the Chamber's brand focus so we all better understand why the Chamber is here. It's really simple: The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce exists to be the Catalyst for business growth; the trusted Convener and connector for the business realm and the community at large;and the Champion for a vibrant and strong community. We achieve that well stated purpose by working together to solve the challenges that business leaders encounter; by inspiring and connecting community leaders in support of businessfriendly initiatives and seeking out and raising up the next gen of local leadership in the Flagstaff Young Professionals Division. It all translates into our universally recognized unique and valuable role of helping businesses prosper and helping the Flagstaff community thrive.

That might sound like a mouth full but there are brand pillars which are unwavering foundational ideas and beliefs that guide our day-to-day decision-making to ensure that our brand stays its course. These reach across the entire Chamber industry nationwide.

• Depth of Knowledge Our experience and connections allow us to speak in an informed and confident manner on a wide array of relevant topics based on the longevity of the Chamber and nearly 1000 member investors.

• Unimpeachable Trust While we bring a clear pointof-view, we always present a complete and truthful perspective.

• Universal Respect We have earned our place in the community through years of consistent professional performance.

• Advocate for Business We are the people who make sure the needs, issues, and concerns of the business community are addressed.

• Pillar of the Community Everything we are and everything we do is in the service of a stronger community

Hopefully some of this resonates with you. It should help you value your investment in the Chamber community and help you grow your business together with all of the rest of the Chamber community! We are a proven hub of information within the business community and hopefully that translates into doing business with other member businesses and fosters a culture of small business collaboration in our community. Your voice is our voice. Your needs are our needs. Your success is our success. Thank you for your financial investment and engagement with the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. You are valued!

With gratitude,

President Chief Executive Officer

Julie Pastrick President & CEO

Northern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership Spring Meeting @ Coco-Op

On Wednesday, March 23, members of the Northern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership gathered at the Coco-Op workshare space for NAMP's 1st quarterly meeting. Organizations in attendance were Restoration Forest Products, Novakinetics, Rising Hy/Tortilla Lady, Mother Road Brewing Co. Canyon Coolers, IML Containers, Electric Torque Machine and Machine Solutions Inc.

Coco-Op Executive director Brent Barghahn gave a tour of the facility's co-working space which includes wood, ceramic, and metal shops, 3D printing, digital design equipment and a variety of other crafting tools.

Mother Road Brewing Company announced the opening of their additional brewing space that would allow the creation of innovative recipes while continuing to craft their standard line of favorites.

Restoration Forest Products, LLC formerly New Life Forest Products was awarded the Chamber's Green Business Certification for their focus on sustainability within their standard plant operations.

Restoration Forest Products partners with the U.S. Forest Service as part of their Four Forests Initiative which aims to mitigate the risk of catastrophic forest fires by collaborating with industry partners to thin atrisk forests.

The Northern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership is an initiative of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. The mission of NAMP is to direct policy in support of the manufacturing industry for betterment of the economy and workforce of northern Arizona.

Green Certified Businesses

Shift FLG Kitchen + Bar

Oeno Wine Lounge

Restoration Forest Products

Over the Rainbow Butterfly Garden

Aspen Communications, LLC

Yugo Flagstaff – Central