For more than 90 years the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce has been "taking care of business."

Your Chamber understands the needs and seeks to protect our business community by developing and influencing policy priorities and promoting a pro-business environment.

Calendar year 2005 was a banner year for your Chamber, its members, board, staff, the community and the region.  Through partnerships, programs, services and events, your Chamber was successful in accomplishing its strategic plan while remaining fiscally sound.

In recent history, there has never been a more exciting time to live, work and play in the Canton area.  And it's only going to get better.

Your Chamber's key strategy--economic development--has and will continue to yield tremendous benefits for Canton and Stark County.  Through collaboration, facilitation and programs and initiatives, including Brain Gain, SYNCHRONIST, the Mills Industrial Park project, work force development and downtown revitalization, your Chamber is working to create the business climate necessary for our community to compete locally, nationally and globally.

As chairman, it is an honor and privilege to lead this dynamic and significant organization.  Together, with a committed Chamber board, a strong management team, capable staff and high-energy volunteer roster there is no place to go except up!

Joseph R. Halter, Jr.

Chairman of the Board