The new president for 2020 of the Woodland Chamber of Commerce is Aniek Ramsay, after advancing from first vice chairwoman.
Ramsay, 50, is no stranger to Northern California, is no stranger to business in Woodland, and no stranger to the Chamber of Commerce.
Born in Fresno and later moving to Yuba City, she later worked alongside her mother, Mary Beck, at the family-owned insurance agency, known as Van Beurden Insurance (her mother’s maiden name). Aniek obtained her own insurance license in 1988.
Aniek attended Woodland Community College, majoring in sociology, where she earned an associate degree. She subsequently earned and has maintained, the designation of certified insurance counselor from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
Van Beurden’s Woodland Branch opened and joined the chamber in 1984 and Aniek became the Woodland Brand manager in 2013 when her mom retired.
As the 2020 president of the Woodland chamber what will be your priorities?
My focus as the 2020 Chamber President will be to cultivate a renewed relevance for the Woodland Chamber of Commerce throughout our membership and business community. My priorities will include full engagement of our diverse and talented Board of Directors and the Chamber staff in their specific divisional objectives. At our annual retreat in November of 2019, each director was assigned a division and each of these groups brainstormed on their one-three- and five-year goals and priorities helping set the framework for the Chamber’s future success. As President, I intend to build and cultivate strong relationships in the business community through strategic outreach to our members, potential members and community partners, including the City of Woodland and City Council, to learn how we may better serve, retain and build our membership.
Are there any programs you want to continue that were inspired by your predecessor Jennifer Pike?
Jennifer Pike, my predecessor, will be developing an exciting new initiative that was born out of the 5×5 meetings she participated in with the city of Woodland in 2019. The Chamber intends on organizing a minimum of four “Business Roundtable Meetings” throughout the year inviting like businesses (chamber members and non-members) to meet and discuss their experiences and hardships facilitating the opportunity to connect and share ideas and solutions.
What do you feel are the greatest business assets for the city of Woodland?
The Woodland Chamber of Commerce and its’ members, of course! We are an exclusive membership organization that promotes business growth and economic prosperity by strengthening and enhancing community relationships. We support, advocate and encourage business and industry, to create the best community in which to live, work and do business. Chamber members work with representatives of our community, including schools, residents, community organizations and city government with a mutual ongoing commitment to a better quality of life in Woodland.
How do you think the chamber can assist those businesses wishing to relocate to Woodland?
The Chamber is rich in resources and opportunities for any business seeking information regarding the Woodland community. This may include assisting in key introductions to community and business leaders, sharing data on the current economic climate or local workforce resources. The Woodland Chamber produces an annual Directory and Community Guide that, in addition to listing its’ exclusive members, includes a catalog of the community’s annual events, schools, specialized local industry, points of interest and notable eateries offering potential businesses and residents a “sneak peek” into Woodland’s unique character.
What can the chamber do to attract more members as well as those who want to be more active chamber members?
I see this as one of the Chamber’s biggest challenges as we forge into the next decade. We must demonstrate a tangible return on investment to our members and potential members. This is going to include a “rebirthing” process, so to speak, of the Chamber’s role and reputation in our business community. We need to start by investing in technology, marketing and attracting talented quality individuals to better communicate the services, benefits, advocacy and volunteer opportunities that the Chamber already affords. We must also poll the membership and local businesses to uncover new and different avenues in which the Chamber can contribute to our community’s collective success. Finding and branding a renewed relevance, my primary goal will provide the organization the critical boost needed for success.
