Hello River Valley! The River Valley Chamber of Commerce is 98 years old this year and, as a non-profit business organization, we can give ourselves a pat on the back for our presence in the River Valley.

Throughout the years that the Chamber has been in existence, we have seen businesses open and close; struggle and prosper. When the economy is doing well, then our businesses do well, but when the economy is down then our businesses struggle to survive and keep their doors open.

As the residents and business people in the River Valley Area we have always been there for each other as has the Chamber, the pulse of our River Valley area. This past year, the Chamber has promoted many Business After Hours for businesses and was very successful; the networking amongst the businesses was wonderful and very rewarding for the ones taking advantage of it. Being a member of the Chamber is beneficial in so many ways to our business and non-profit organizations. Log onto www.rivervalleychamber.com and check out the Web site; it’s full of information about our area, our member businesses and organizations – what a valuable tool. Interested?

December started the Chamber’s membership drive and the board of directors urge all of our area businesses and non-profit organizations to band together and join the Chamber where you can network and receive all that YOUR Chamber has to offer. The Chamber is working for YOU; join us…it’s where we want to be!

The Chamber is really excited about 2010. There are two shows coming to town for our new series, Cabin Fever Reliever.

Birdie Googins, A.K.A. the Marden’s lady, will be at The Rumford Falls Auditorium on February 13. The Maine Hysterical Society – featuring Randy Judkins – has been re-scheduled to April 10 and will be at Muskie Auditorium.

If you would like more information on any of the Chamber’s events, please call the office at 364-3241 or e-mail info@rivervalleychamber.com.