Ribbon Cutting at Belfor Property Restorations

Belfor Property Restorations had a ribbon cutting with the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce on June 22, 2010. Belfor located at 3461 W. Holland Ave in Fresno, actually has sites all over the US and even Chile with their corporate headquarters based in Birmingham Michigan. The Ambassadors from the Chamber were able to get quite an education as we leaned about the many things Belfor can do. From large catastrophes to small domestic jobs they have help for you with their 24/7 immediate response. I think they are a perfect number to have on the speed dial right there next to 911! Here are a few of the things Belfor Property Restorations can do: water extraction, structural dehumidification, smoke/odor removal, structural cleaning and decontamination, contents pack out/ restoration, mold remediation, electronics restoration, magnetic media and data recovery, equipment and machinery restoration, book and document reclamation and consulting services.

Belfor also takes part in the community and as part of the ribbon cutting we were able to see Brian McGrath Project Manager and Kevin Lahey General Manager receive the Community Partner document framed from Hap Wood Salvation Army Chairman- Community Partners. It was a wonderful ribbon cutting with a fantastic live display of their water extraction machine. Welcome Belfor to the Fresno Chamber. For more information on how Belfor can help you or your company please call them at 559 244-0811 or visit them online at http://www.belfor.com/. "Belfor's emergency teams bring extensive experience to the rescue, saving property, recovery time and peace of mind."

This blog provided by Hannah DeGroot of Realty Concepts

Fresno Chamber Ambassador Julie Luft interviews Fresno’s Rick Whitsell and Hannah DeGroot on their thoughts about Chamber participation.

The installation Dinner for the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce was held at the New Exhibit Hall the evening of January 29, 2010. Al Smith, the President and CEO of the Chamber officiated the black tie event. Rick Whitsell, President and CEO of Fresno First Bank was installed as the 2010 Chairman of the Board. Our very own Ambassador Hannah DeGroot of Realty Concepts was named the Ambassador of the year and her award was presented by Moe Bagunu, Senior Manager, Property Management, of Fashion Fair Mall. The new board of directors was sworn in by John Wallace.

Julie Luft, Specialty Manger, Fashion Fair Mall and Chamber Ambassador, recently had the opportunity to interview Rick Whitsell and Hannah DeGroot and ask them their thoughts about Chamber participation.

Rick Whitsell has the desire to give back to our community. Read on..........

Julie: What is your official chamber title?

Rick: Chairman of the Board for the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce.

Julie: What is your official bank title?

Rick: President and CEO of Fresno First Bank.

Julie: You participate wholeheartedly, what led you to the Chamber?

Rick: The need to contribute to a professional organization which is well respected for representing business in the Fresno area.

Julie: What motivates your continued participation in the Chamber?

Rick: My desire to give back to our community.

Julie: Why did you accept the position?

Rick: The responsibilities of the Chairman's position allow me the opportunity to make a contribution to our community.

Julie: What qualities have you admired in past Presidents?

Rick: They are all successful business leaders who continue to make a difference in our community.

Julie: Who do you look up to in the Chamber?

Rick: Al Smith, the President and CEO of the Chamber, for his leadership and accomplishments made over the last four plus years.

Julie: What is your vision for this year?

Rick: To continue to build a strong Chamber organization built on a stable financial foundation.

And for the second year in a row Hannah DeGroot was chosen as the 2009 Ambassador of the Year. Hannah enjoys meeting people, making connections and strengthening relationships. Here's what else Hannah had to say....

Julie: You participate wholeheartedly, what led you to the Chamber?

Hannah: What led me to the Fresno Chamber was their reputation for supporting business, great networking opportunities and the wonderful programs they have such as the Ambassador Program and Leadership Fresno.

Julie: Why do you think you received this award for the second time?

Hannah: The Ambassador of the Year Award is structured on a point system. All Ambassadors receive points for the various things they volunteer for like ribbon cuttings, ground breaking ceremonies, grand openings, monthly mixers and of course blogging for our new Ambassador blog which recounts these things. The blog can be found at http://www.fresnochamberambassadors.blogspot.com/. I think in the end I did the most blogging!

Julie: What qualities do you think are required to become a successful Ambassador?

Hannah: Showing up and making the most of the opportunities provided you by the Fresno Chamber. It's like anything, when you're out of site you are out of mind. I think we all need top of mind awareness. I love telling people what Realty Concepts Corporate Client Program along with our other services can do for them. As an Ambassador I am able to reach people in a way I would not have access to otherwise.

Julie: Who do you look up to in the Chamber?

Hannah: I have yet to meet anyone I do not look up to at the Chamber. There are so many people sharing their talents at the Chamber to make Fresno business blossom.

Julie: What motivates your participation?

Hannah: Meeting people, making connections and strengthening relationships I have made.

Julie: What is your focus for this year?

Hannah: My focus this year is to get more participation in the Ambassador Blog so the Internet Marketing Committee which I Chair can start a new project I think members will love.

This blog provided by Julie Luft /Specialty Leasing Manager Fashion Fair Mall- Macerich