Henderson Chamber of Commerce remains upbeat about future

Even though people in business can feel the effects of the slow economy, Henderson Chamber of Commerce members are staying positive about the future.

"There's so much excitement in the air and so much talent," chamber member D.J. Allen said after attending the annual State of the Chamber Address on Aug. 14 at Loews Lake Las Vegas.

Chamber President David Dahan said the purpose of the address was to speak with members about the chamber as the voice of business in Henderson. He said that includes a political voice.

Dahan and about 30 other members of the chamber took part in Henderson on the Hill, where they went to Washington, D.C., and met with policymakers to talk about issues facing Henderson. Dahan said they spoke about everything from energy and transportation to Bureau of Land Management land around the Henderson Airport and Yucca Mountain.

"We want our businesses to have a greater voice," Dahan said. "Not everybody can go to (Washington) D.C. We listen to our members and represent them on local issues."

Education was on the minds of Henderson business leaders after Dahan announced a new partnership with Nevada State College.

The chamber and the college are working to create a certificate program that would touch on subjects such as business letter writing and public speaking, among others.

Dahan said the certificate would be great for people trying to enter the business world for the first time, especially someone who is changing careers.

"This is where business and education are connecting," said Allen, owner of Imagine Marketing. "It will provide us with people highly trained to grow our businesses and keep the economy strong. That's how higher education is designed to work."

Dahan, of Orgill/Singer & Associates, and insurance agency, said the address also gave him time to talk about the value of being a member of the chamber.

Allen, a member since 1997, didn't need any convincing.

"It allows you to meet people from all different organizations and government entities," Allen said. "How else are you going to be able to meet these people?"

Allen said the chamber is the point of entry, but what members do after they meet new people is up to them.

"You have to give to get anything out of the chamber," Allen said. "People who give are actually the people who benefit."

Dahan said the chamber is going to take more of an interest in one of his pet projects, the Henderson Business Resource Center. The center is designed to help new businesses launch and succeed.

Allen worked with the center in 2000 and credits it as the reason he has gone from a solo business operating from his home to 15 employees in a 2,500-square-foot facility.

The Henderson Chamber of Commerce holds monthly breakfast, lunch and networking mixers, as well as other events throughout the year.

"I feel it's important that we inspire the Henderson community to work together," Dahan said. "This is where we can all help each other."

For information, visit www.hendersonchamber.com or call 565-8951. The chamber is at 590 S. Boulder Highway.