Working for the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce, I spend a lot of time talking with the business owners and managers in our community. When visiting with them, I like to ask how business is going for them, so I can get a sense of the current economic climate in Bonney Lake.

The feedback I have received has changed during the past year. Concern about the recession and the future of their business has increased. In September, the people I spoke to were concerned more about the economy nationally, but not as concerned locally.

October and November came and they were looking forward to a busier holiday season. Unfortunately, the Christmas season brought lower sales than were anticipated, but it was at least enough to sustain them for a few more months.

Most of the businesses I speak to are experiencing sales that are significantly down during the first half of 2009 and are looking for ways to promote their services and sustain their business. At a recent impromptu chamber gathering at the new Andre’s restaurant, the topic of marketing came up. Our smaller businesses are trying to figure out the art and science of marketing. They desire to find the best approach to reach you – their potential customer.

At a time when every penny counts, they hope the money they invest for marketing is effective. The overall health and vitality of our community is dependent on a strong and vibrant business community, which is why the chamber encourages you to “Shop Bonney Lake First.” Each dollar you spend locally supports that local small business, employees and our community at large from the sales tax revenue generated. Supporting our local businesses is needed now more than ever.

The Bonney Lake Chamber is proactively helping our chamber members implement their business plans by offering informative marketing seminars. Our July luncheon topic is on e-mail marketing strategies and will be followed up one week later with two, four-hour seminars on the same subject.

We have also created a brief survey to assist businesses with their marketing efforts. The answers to the survey will help our businesses identify the most effective way to connect with you and it will help them to wisely invest their marketing dollars. Your participation in the survey is needed and greatly appreciated.

Please invest a moment of your time to complete our brief survey. The survey is found by visiting the Chamber Web site, www.bonneylake.com, and clicking on the Marketing Survey.

Lora Butterfield is the executive director of the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at 253-222-5945 or lora@bonneylake.com. The chamber’s Web site is www.bonneylake.com.

Bonney Lake Chamber