Pass has chosen a theme of "Get Connected" The theme will encourage the Chamber and its membership to be more than a means to connect business with business and to help people connect with people. Pass says, "The Chamber is the one organization that has the ability and influence to connect hundreds of member businesses to advance the economic and social well-being of Tompkins County. The Chamber is not only a means to connect business with business, but even more importantly assists in connecting people with people." Pass will also introduce a work plan with 5 core activities... business and tourism development, membership and community and organizational development.

Outgoing Board Chair David Iles says the Chamber achieved critical success with its 2007 theme of "Drop Anchor"... which encouraged young people to begin their careers in Tompkins County. Iles says, "The Chamber continues to deliver for our members as evidenced by the fantastic results of our member survey. We're especially proud of the connections our members are making with area high school and college students through our Drop Anchor efforts and the vibrancy of our young professional group, Ithaca Forward. We expect to build on the momentum of our Ithaca High School Student to Business Speed Networking event by reaching out to all of the school districts in Tompkins County. We're excited about the success of Ithaca Forward and are honored that it has become a model for other groups throughout New York State."

Scott Wiggins will be introduced as the Chambers' Key Person of the Year. Wiggins is the Managing Director of La Tourelle Resort and August Moon Spa. Wiggins is being recognized for his dedication to the hospitality industry in Tompkins County and for his years of leadership with The Strategic Tourism Planning Board, the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, and the Greater Ithaca Innkeeper's Association. Wiggins is an Ithaca native who attended the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University. He assumed his responsibilities at La Tourelle in April 2007, after working for 17 years for the island of Aruba, managing Aruba's destination marketing activities in the United States and Canada, while maintaining his residency in Ithaca.

The Chamber will also use the 2008 Annual Meeting and Dinner to again recognize other award winners from the past year. They include Borg Warner Morse TEC as the 2007 Large Employer of the Year. Warren Real Estate of Ithaca as the David R. Strong Memorial 2007 Small Business of the Year. The Ithaca Coffee Company was the 2007 New Businesses of the Year and Challenge was the 2007 Not-For-Profit Organization of the Year.

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