How MH Chamber Programs Benefit Community
As outlined in the Oct. 13 “A View From 90 E. Second St.,” at the heart of any chamber’s mission is its Program of Work. It’s what the organization does!
The most recently implemented elements of the chamber’s Program of Work are the education and environmental affairs councils. While each has a different focus, each council shares a similar purpose. They thoughtfully and systematically review issues that are relevant to their area’s focus and send recommendations to the board of directors on state ballot measures and local, county, state and federal legislation.
Each council also goes through an extensive selection process to recognize businesses and organizations for extraordinarily contributing to the future of Morgan Hill and our region.
The chamber’s education council presented the first annual Golden Apple Awards Nov. 2 to businesses and organizations for their “above and beyond the call” outstanding support and contributions to our community’s education programs. The Machado School Heritage Society and Intero Real Estate Services were the 2006 Golden Apple Award recipients, and Sycamore Concrete, Paramit Corporation, Graebel Relocation Services and Bernal Bible Church received Golden Apple Honorable Mention Awards.
The Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) program was begun by the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, and implemented through its environmental affairs council, to honor local businesses and organizations, which engage in practices that demonstrate their stewardship to the natural environment, social responsibility and economic sustainability, thus, improving our community and region. Sustainable Quality Awards are given for excellence in all three areas. The awards are also given for excellence in one or two of these areas. The actions of these future-thinking businesses and organizations help sustain our high quality of life. The chamber and community honored these leaders on Earth Day, April 22. The 2006 Sustainable Quality Awards went to Hospira, Inc. and Specialized Bicycles. Excellence Awards were presented to St. Catherine Parish and School, Anritsu Company, Comcast – Morgan Hill Call Center, Heritage Bank of Commerce and Weston Miles Architects, Inc.
The chamber’s Economic Development Committee, South Santa Clara Valley Tourism Partnership with the Gilroy Visitors Bureau, Government Review Council and Ambassadors are also significant in fulfilling the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce mission: To provide quality service to our members and promote and develop a strong economic climate in Morgan Hill.
Dan Ehrler has been serving as the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce executive director for two years and has been the chief executive officer for various chambers of commerce in California for more than 20 years. Contact him at de*****@********ll.org or at
(408) 779-9444.
