Shannon Miller, president of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, is optimistic about the chamber's future and what it means to Palm Springs, she told the Coachella Valley Times.
“I hope the membership will continue to grow as business owners learn what a great opportunity it is to be part of a successful chamber like ours,” Miller said. “I hope business owners will continue to reach out and lift each other up, welcome new entrepreneurs with open arms and continue to grow and thrive."
Miller played hockey growing up, and made coaching hockey her professional career. She is a former Olympic hockey coach, a three-time world champion and a five-time NCAA Division I Champion. She was previously with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Miller owns a small business in Palm Springs, and thought it was important to get involved with other business owners and the communities, so she became active with the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce.
“Community is very important to me, so being a part of it day to day by owning a business and being involved with the chamber is a great way to be involved and contribute,” she said.
From her coaching and playing career, Miller learned certain values that she brings to the chamber of commerce, such as the importance of teamwork, having a great attitude, work ethic and being able to have fun, she said. She also understands the importance of leadership, listening, relationship building, goal setting, perspective, support and the power of group effort, all things she tries to bring to the chamber.
“Individuals want to be a part of something greater than themselves, and to contribute, and experience growth,” Miller said.
When asked what accomplishments she was most proud of, Miller said that she is proud of their new program for young entrepreneurs, EMERGE, as well as the chamber’s growing membership, selling out their co-work space and mentioned several other programs that have been successful, such as Rock the Park, Walk of Stars, Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs, the Police and Fire Luncheon, the ribbon cuttings, monthly mixers and their weekly business lunches. She also expressed pride in the chamber's staff, board of directors and chamber business members.