When I returned to the Charlotte Chamber two and a half years ago, we began an effort to focus and emphasize the Chamber’s mission statement to grow the economy, serve as a voice for business and deliver value to our members. Slowly but surely every aspect of the Chamber has been brought into sharper focus through the lens of our mission. And the results have been invigorating.

With our mission solidly planted, we are now turning our attention toward our core beliefs. These beliefs summarize the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that we, as an organization and as individuals within it, strive toward. You will hear more about our core beliefs as the year unfolds, and I hope you will see them embodied by our staff.

I would like to focus for a moment on one particular belief: “We will never accept what we have done yesterday or what we do today as what is right for tomorrow. We will be innovative, strategic and see value through change.” This issue of Ventures Charlotte is one example of that belief in action.

You may have noticed a change in Ventures Charlotte as you flipped through the pages. Or perhaps you read each and every word so intently that you did not notice entire departments missing – departments that have been a part of the magazine since its inception in 1995. But no worries; I will give you a guided tour of the new structure.

First, however, a word on what has not changed – our editorial mission: Ventures Charlotte serves the Chamber’s mission by spotlighting issues facing our community and the personalities involved in making our city what it is and what it can be and by promoting our members whenever possible. What has changed is how we deliver on that editorial mission through our features and departments with a renewed focus on the Chamber’s mission.

First Page – as its name implies, this guest column is the first article to greet you once you wander beyond the contents page. It focuses on a hot topic in the community and is contributed by a community leader.

Top 10 – who does not love a top 10 list? Ventures Charlotte’s top 10 lists will focus on an issue relevant to the Chamber’s mission or to one of the feature stories. In our next issue look for a top 10 recommended reading list from a community leader.

Photo Feature – Sometimes pictures tell more than words ever could. Look for images that illustrate the Chamber’s Program of Work in action.

Economic Development – This is an entire section devoted to our economic development efforts and related topics. In this issue, we’ve included the 2007 Economic Development Annual Report, but future issues will include brief articles on growth topics, highlights from the new and expanded report, profiles on new and expanded companies, and more.

Business & Education Advocacy – Formerly known as our public policy group, the Business & Education Advocacy team is always on the go listening, watching, speaking and acting on behalf of business. This section will provide analysis of important issues and other information from the team.

Member Value – This section will give you tips to help you in your business and on how best to use your Chamber membership. Look for spotlights on our Chapters and Councils and the volunteers who lead them, save-the-date notices for premier events, guest articles, and member testimonials through the “What You Didn’t Know About …” column.

Cover Feature – The cover article focuses on an individual or issue with broad appeal to or impact on our members and community.

Briefcases – These brief bios highlight our newest investor-level members. Member News – Once a regular feature in Ventures Monthly, member news briefs and a list of new members now grace the pages of Ventures Charlotte.

Closing Thoughts – If you are reading this, then the idea behind Closing Thoughts is apparent. But in case you’re just skimming, Closing Thoughts is my regular editorial column.

Guide – Each issue features a topical guide that includes one or two articles and a directory of related businesses.

We welcome your thoughts and comments on this new structure for Ventures Charlotte. And we hope it proves valuable to you.