Dear Chico Chamber Members,

As I reflect on my first six months in this role, I am struck by just how much I have learned—and how deeply I’ve come to appreciate the vital role our business community plays in the health and vibrancy of Chico. When I began, I had only a surface understanding of what Chambers truly do. Today, after listening, learning, and engaging with many of you, I have developed a profound respect for the opportunities before us. Despite the socioeconomic headwinds we are all navigating, I am both pragmatic and hopeful about what we can achieve together.

At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful purpose: to champion the business community. Over the months ahead, we will focus our initiatives on catalyzing connections—linking our members with the resources, partnerships, and networks that support meaningful and sustainable business growth in Chico. Your success is the foundation of a stronger local economy, and we are committed to being a reliable and responsive partner in that journey.

I am also excited to share that we are advancing an 18-month strategic plan centered on three pillars: Business Advocacy, Engaged Stakeholders, and Member Involvement. This plan reflects what many of you have told us—that you want a Chamber that supports you, speaks up for you, and creates pathways for your voice to shape the work we undertake. Your participation will be essential, and we look forward to building this next chapter with you.

As part of this forward movement, we are reviewing our member benefits to ensure they truly maximize the value you receive from your investment. This includes identifying new opportunities where the Chamber can better serve you and ensuring that our offerings remain relevant to the needs of today’s business environment.

We are equally enthusiastic about restarting our member meetups, learning lunches, and other opportunities that bring us together for networking, connection, and skill development. These gatherings strengthen our community fabric and create space for collaboration that benefits us all.

Please be sure to join us at our Annual Dinner on Friday, January 23 —purchase your tickets here: Chico Chamber Annual Dinner 2026.

And on Thursday, January 29, join the Chamber and the broader Chico community for the Annual State of the City at Lakeside Pavilion.

RSVP here: Chico State of the City 2026

Thank you for welcoming me into this role, for your candid conversations, and for your ongoing commitment to our community. It is a privilege to serve you, and I look forward to all we will continue to build—together.

With gratitude and optimism,

Molly Kopta

President & CEO

Chico Chamber of Commerce