The group was composed of city, county and economic development officials. The Business Retention Forum was introduced by Linda Clifford, chair of the Metro Chamber's Economic Development Committee, and moderated by Dean Robert Smiley of the University of California, Davis, School of Business. Dean Smiley used the Metro Chamber Economic Development Committee's Business Retention Survey to focus the forum discussion. The survey of Metro Chamber members found that work-force skills, education and transportation congestion and access issues were all key factors that motivated managers when reviewing Sacramento's viability as a location for their businesses. As a result of the forum, the Business Retention Subcommittee set a goal of creating an online resources center for regional business retention during the year 2001.
Members receive two listings in the annual directory.
Companies are identified both alphabetically as well as by a 'yellow pages' listing in the directory, which has a circulation of more than 12,000. Members will be also listed on the Metro Chamber's Web site member directory. The directory listing is only one of several exclusive ways members can take advantage of promotional opportunities that membership in the Metro Chamber offers. Members, who do mailings of 200 pieces or more, are entitled to use of the Metro Chamber's bulk-mail permit. Use of the permit will save 12 cents on each piece of mail.