Face to Face - September 2008

Face to Face

Alice J. Martz

CEO

Henderson Chamber of Commerce

Henderson

Number of Employees: 8

Years in Nevada: 20

Years with Firm: 19

Type of Business:

A non-profit business-focused organization which provides member businesses with marketing and networking opportunities, support resources and legislative representation.

Describe Your Leadership Style:

A collaborator. It’s important to have a universal perspective on everything relating to business and be able to identify talented individuals.

Biggest Business Challenge:

Today’s slowed economy. Budgets are tightening, which means outside costs, like organization memberships, are feeling the crunch. This is impacting chambers across the United States.

Best Business Advice:

Don’t burn bridges. All relationships are valuable, and life comes full circle, more than once, during your lifetime.

Who inspired you to get into the business?

Gary Johnson, who served as the chamber’s previous executive director, was a great inspiration to me.

What is the most important thing you learned from your parents?

One must always give back to your community. Never give up, just keep moving forward.

How does a chamber of commerce play a role in legislative efforts?

Many chamber members cannot afford a personal lobbyist to represent their interests. A chamber can play a critical role in helping these businesses by serving as a collective voice in the advocacy of business issues through its pursuit of influencing outcomes, whether by focusing on legislation or supporting candidates.