CEO's Focus: New Changes at the Napa Chamber

by Randy Martinsen,
President/CEO, Accelerated Marketing Group
Interim CEO, Napa Chamber of Commerce

The Board of Directors of the Napa Chamber of Commerce welcomes Chris Messina, CDP, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Chris will begin working at the Chamber effective February 21, 2012.

Chris comes to the Napa Chamber bringing experience and expertise as a business owner, as well as six years of Non-Profit leadership including his present position as the President/CEO of the Foster City Chamber of Commerce, the former manager for the Advocacy Division of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce and three years as the Executive Director of Santa Rosa Main Street, a non-profit that worked directly with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santa Rosa. He is a graduate of the three year educational series of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE), the Certified Downtown Professional program (CDP), and will receive his Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) certification in February, 2012. He is earning his Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) certification, and most recently he was chosen as one of twenty Chamber officials to attend a business trade mission to China.

The Board is confident that his proven track record of creating and maintaining professional partnerships, his fundraising and promotional expertise, and his commitment to community involvement are going to be positive contributions to the retention and expansion of the Napa Chamber of Commerce’s membership base and community partners.
 
I thought my last article in these newsletters was December of 2010 as my position as Chairman of the Board was winding down. I am honored that the Board felt confidence in my ability to fill in as Interim CEO giving them time to create a Search Committee for the new CEO.
Given that this is my last article as an officer of the Chamber I want to express my gratitude for the many opportunities I have been given in my eight years of service on the Board and as Interim CEO.

As a marketing consultant, I am proud that the Strategic Marketing Plan I helped to create in 2001 is still part of the marketing efforts of the Chamber today. Although I will not be involved with the day-to-day operation of the Chamber after Chris takes the helm, I will be involved as a Chamber Ambassador and a volunteer with Membership Services, Legislative Action Committee and “Wake Up Your Business Wednesday” events. 

I believe in the Napa Chamber of Commerce and what it does for all businesses in the Napa Valley. It is much more than just a marketing benefit to my business. It is an advocate on policy issues; it helps me understand propositions and candidates when voting time comes. It believes in and gives back to the community with the same passion I have for giving back. It believes in education and supports our education systems in Napa to make it possible for new entrepreneurs and developers to thrive. It is interested in making Napa a destination for visitors, and is an advocate for healthcare like no other Chamber in which I have been a member.

I have confidence in the process this Chamber follows and its dedication to our community. I look forward to working with Chris, and the future Board of Directors.

Lastly, I want to express gratitude for all the Board Members I have met and worked with over my eight years in these capacities of service. I thank the staff - who work so hard for our Chamber and the true passion they have to make the Chamber succeed in its vision. I look forward to many more years of association with the Chamber and with all of you – its members! THANK YOU