A Message from the Chairman of the Board of Directors
W. Rod Gentry, Union Bank & Trust, Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors

It is an honor and a privilege for me to serve as the 2010 Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

Undoubtedly, 2009 will remain etched in our memories for many years to come.  For most of us, it was a year of tremendous challenge filled with changes that seemed endless.  While the effects of many of those challenges and changes were negative, in retrospect, the opportunities that they afford us to learn about how to improve the management of our businesses will provide us with learning that we can all use to build a better future.

It is during times like these, that the value of an organization to provide a voice of advocacy for its membership plays a critical role.  Since its inception our Chamber and its members have experienced the very best and the very worst that our economic climate has had to offer.  The businesses that preceded us were bound together by something far more significant than any of their differences.  They were bound by the spirit of the community they shared – the same community that is ours today.  We all share the responsibility to shepherd it carefully and wisely.

Each one of us works hard to insure that our business grows and prospers, and your membership in our Chamber of Commerce not only helps to build business but it enables us to work together to create a vibrant local economy that is an essential ingredient to provide for a healthy community.  Our Chamber has been working on behalf of its membership to build better businesses and a better community for nearly 97 years now.  I am looking forward to working with you during 2010 and beyond to meet the challenges that we face to help make our Greater Charlottesville communities the best that they can be for all of us and for those who will follow us.   

Your Chamber's Board of Directors is made up of local businessmen and women who provide the oversight and guidance for the leadership of the Chamber.  Each one of them is committed to the Chamber's mission to deliver quality member service to you, and to represent you as the principal advocate and voice of the business community.    

Each year, the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce renews its dedication to representing private enterprise, promoting business and enhancing the quality of life in our communities.  At that time it is the duty of prior Chamber leaders like Bryan Thomas, our 2009 Chairman, to pass the promise of that dedication on to the next Chairman so that it can be carried forward and the work that never ends can be continued.  With the passing of that dedication, please join me as we renew our belief that together that we can create a stronger, healthier community. 

I look forward to serving you, working with you, and to joining you in celebration of our continued success in 2010.

Thank you.
Rod Gentry