Chamber staff works 7 days a week . . . ssshhh

By Pati Gonsalves, Amador County Chamber

Today, some would say that technology is making life easier. For example, a single click on the Internet and we can send and get information from around the world in seconds. Before, we had to post a letter, send a telegram, or God forbid, make a phone call and speak to someone!! Ah, but now with the latest technology, we can sit in front of our computer and do it all.

But it doesn’t stop there. Now we have ultra savvy communication devices - the mobile phone! This is currently the most popular communication tool ever invented. With this technology, people can easily communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime. And most of the cells phones are actually more like a mini pc. Every function of the PC is installed and implanted in a mobile phone. So, we can be out to eat, at a movie, at the grocery store, the park, kid’s school activity, ANYWHERE – and we can get an email message, someone’s inane tweet, or dozens of Facebook ramblings. Oh, and lest we forget the power of texting; “what r u doing? I’m working. lol “

Now, Amador County is, in my opinion, a region in its own perfect bubble. Things move slower here than, say Sacramento, or the Bay Area. I wouldn’t be surprised if Amador County has the least amount of Internet users, and even the fewest number of computer owners in the state. I say that based on the many local calls we receive from the community, with information requests that can be found on the chamber’s website. “Do you have access to a computer,” we ask? I am amazed at how many folks say no. Truly.

But, the majority of our tourism calls are from future visitors, or potential residents, and they do indeed utilize the latest in technology, or at least, the Internet. And these requests are made at all hours of any given day. Well, we of course are not in the office 24/7, but we are indeed available! For example, when a request comes into our company email, it is immediately forwarded to our mobile phones. If the question or need is something we can take care of through a text, email or forwarding response, we do so. If the sender needs immediate help, we respond as quickly as we can.

For example, one Friday afternoon, a late email was sent from a Chamber member requesting information that was needed for an event on the following Monday. Our offices were closed, but the information was vital to the sender, and we provided the information in time for the Monday function.

Now, with the inclusion of Facebook and Twitter to the Amador County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau’s social networking milieu, we are truly available seven days a week, 24 hours a day; in some manner or another.

So, another secret revealed, and although some think technology has made our lives easier, it certainly has not made it simpler. And we don’t mind the extra hours, because we know that in the end, Amador County and it’s residents and business folks, will somehow benefit from that little extra that you will always get from the Chamber of Commerce.

Next issue: Quiz: How well do you know your Chamber of Commerce?

COPYRIGHT 2009 AMADOR COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE