Napa Chamber Ambassadors Promote Your Business

Randy Martinsen,
President & CEO of Accelerated Marketing Group
2010 Napa Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board

The Napa Chamber Ambassadors is a volunteer group that has been an affiliate of the Napa Chamber for over 30 years. Its mission is to, “Create good will and understanding among members of the Chamber and business community.”  They do this by assisting the Chamber in promoting member businesses and assist staff at Chamber and other Napa Valley events.

In addition to meeting once a month to discuss activities, the Ambassadors visit member businesses during the month to learn about the business and help to promote them to the community at large.  Ambassadors are asked to attend, and sometimes conduct, Ribbon Cutting ceremonies for businesses that are new or recently remodeled.  These events are also highlighted in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, and forwarded to other Napa Valley publications.  For example, in June there were four Ribbon Cuttings: Carpe Diem Wine Bar and Bistro Sabor in downtown Napa, Emeritus at Villa DelRey on Villa Lane, and WineBev Services on Technology Way.  In July there was a Ribbon Cutting at Valley Gate Vineyards in Jameson Canyon, and a visit and tour of Signorello Vineyards on Silverado Trail.  Each year the Ambassadors assist the Napa Downtown Association with the Annual Napa Wine, Crafts, & Jazz Festival.

It’s not difficult to distinguish an Ambassador from other Chamber members at functions because they are likely to be in their uniform – consisting of a “Zinfandel” colored jacket or a shirt bearing the Ambassador emblem.  If you’re a new Chamber member, you’ll be given a special badge at our monthly mixer so that the Ambassadors can spot you in the room, and if you’re not otherwise occupied the Ambassador will be someone to introduce you to other members to help you break the ice.

Nominations for the Ambassadors are based on past Chamber service such as committee chairs, directors or other positions of responsibility in the Chamber.  There is a nominal annual dues, and 60% attendance annually to Ambassador functions is required to maintain a position in the group.

The Ambassadors hold annual meetings to select a chairman, secretary, treasurer and two team captains. For the past several years, at the Chamber’s annual dinner meeting, a special award is giving to an ambassador for distinguished service. The honor is presented as a memorial tribute to Gene Cufaude, who was an original member of the organization and played a major role in its activities.

I have had the privilege of being an Ambassador for almost five years, and find the association and activities to be an important part of my Chamber involvement.  Some of my fellow-ambassadors have been part of the organization for as long as it has been around, and are faithful in their efforts to promote member businesses, like yours, and participate as a volunteer when needed.

If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, or want an Ambassador visit or Ribbon Cutting for your business, or are just interested in learning more about the organization you can contact Lynn Page at lynn@napachamber.org or (707) 254-1145. She will help you connect with the Ambassadors.