Special Note: The column produced by Jeremy boyer, Executive Editor of The Citizen, usually appears on Tuesday of ever week. This week we are presenting a guest opinion column by Andrew Fish, the newly appointed executive director of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce.

I would like to first begin by saying how excited I am to be filling this vital role in our county and that I am looking forward to partnering with the board, area businesses, and the community in moving Cayuga County forward and bringing about real growth. I want to apologize for the lack of immediate information regarding my appointment as the Chamber director and the vision and plans that I will bring. It was at my request that the Chamber did not send out detailed information right away, as I wanted the statement of our vision and direction to come from me directly. I had not planned on making a statement until after I officially began with the Chamber since I am still fulfilling other duties as vice principal of Union Springs Academy and need to accomplish things for them before I leave. However, since this has now been brought to the forefront I feel that the important questions that have been asked need to be answered, at least in part.

My vision for the Chamber is for it to become a necessity for businesses in Cayuga County. I want the Chamber to be the place to turn for information, resources, and answers. I want the services that are offered to be so vital to business owners, both small and large, that being a member in the Chamber is not a question of #“how can we#” but a question of #“how can we not.#” During these tough economic times there are significant challenges and obstacles in the paths of growth and expansion however there are significant opportunities as well. It is my goal to be a cog in the economic wheel of our county providing the networking and interaction that is necessary for businesses to connect with one another and create successful partnerships. These partnerships are the foundation of growth and opportunity for us all. I also want to expand the concept of eligible businesses to incorporate more of the amazing agriculture that we have throughout our county. I intend to meet with area businesses and find out what their needs truly are and work with them to find the solutions. Wherever possible I will use the Chamber to provide those solutions. This is not where my vision ends however. I foresee a Chamber that not only stimulates growth and business opportunities in our county, but a Chamber that in turn partners with those same businesses and gives back to the community as a whole. Doing the same thing for the community as it does for businesses, finding the needs through open communication and providing the solutions whenever possible.

I want to share with you that this is not only my vision but it is also the vision of the board. We are all committed to seeing outstanding progress in our county. We want everyone to benefit and we are looking to all those that call Cayuga County home to help us in this endeavor.

Fish, of Port Byron, is the new executive director of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce