June 2009 EYE on Business-Montana Chamber of Commerce newsletter

Someone told me recently, “It
sure seems like the Montana Chamber
has come alive the last few years.” I’m
not sure I would agree, as we are nearly
dead at the end of some days. But I
know what they mean – I don’t think
we have ever been so busy!

As you know, the Legislative Session is not done for us.
With the Governor’s veto of SB 371, we are working hard on an
override. Legislators have until June 11 to vote, so if you haven’t
contacted your legislator, yet, asking them to support an override,
please do so. We will include their action in our 2009 Session
Voting Review, so we will not release that document until after
June 11. Contrary to opponents’ claims, SB 371 simply clarifies
that injuries sustained on a rest break or a company-sponsored
recreation activity are not covered by work comp.

By a general association-management rule of thumb, the
Montana Chamber should have eight or nine people on staff.
We’re doing that work with seven. I am very proud of the people
we have working for you. Look at the list of folks on the bottom
left of this page and know we’re doing our best to make you
proud.
And yes, we’re offering new benefits and programs all the
time. Our Montana Safety Choices work comp program is a
dream come true for us. I have been working on something like
this for the ten years I have served this organization.

Before me,
former President/CEO David Owen strived to make this type
of program a reality. Montana Safety Choices is a testament to
his vision.
We’re taking on the Montana Worklife Wellness conference
(register now!) this year, furthering our role in bringing quality
health care to Montanans.

Our exciting trips to Vietnam this year and China next year
are also an expansion of our focus on taking Montana to the
World. We hope you’ll join us.
More back at home, what a treat it was to take two young
men to lunch for winning 2nd place in the High School Business
Challenge recently. The “adults” in our group were much
impressed with these guys and know Montana’s future is in great
hands.

There’s so much more to what the Montana Chamber is
doing and will be doing. As one of our Chamber Choices
consultants is fond of saying – “you ain’t seen nothin’, yet!”

Full Newsletter: http://www.montanachamber.com/uploads/docs/June%202009%20EYE%20on%20Business.pdf