As newly appointed chamber president, I wanted to touch on what we try to accomplish as a chamber and what we hope that our community gets from having a strong, local chamber of commerce.

The Brookfield Chamber works with other local civic and private groups to encourage new business development, to create awareness of problems facing our community and to develop potential solutions. To be a source of information and support for business owners, and to maintain and enhance the good that is Brookfield. We accomplish this with a number of volunteers that work out-front and behind the scenes to build a better Brookfield for all citizens. That is the uniqueness of our community. We think outside the box, we work together to make things happen and we support the efforts of all.

So that leads to the question of, “What can we do as individuals?”

First, patronize your local businesses. Buy local is a popular saying, but it is especially important in a small community. Second, get to know what this area has to offer. You will be doing yourself a big favor because there is so much fun to be had, and you will be helping the local businesses and their employees. Third, tell everyone! We have all heard that word of mouth is the best advertising. Tell your friends that live here or in a nearby town. Use all the daily social media to spread your message. Share photos or videos, or just tell stories to others about the unique experiences you have enjoyed locally. Invite your extended family and friends to come to town and enjoy what Brookfield has to offer.

If we live here, work here or play here, we are all in this together.

Christopher DiBraccio is the president of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce