August 28, 2025

A Message from Robert Heidt

Sacramento Metro Chamber's CEO Quarterly Update: First Edition

To Our Valued Members,

As I reflect on these last 19 months leading the Sacramento Metro Chamber, I’m reminded of the unique and vital role we play in this region—For Business.

The Sacramento Metro Chamber leads with a collective voice, convening the people, priorities, and partnerships that benefit business. Our daily work is centered on delivering the opportunities, services, and solutions needed for a thriving regional economy and that mission has guided every decision, every initiative, and every step of our progress.

Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our Board, the hard work of our Chamber team, and the engagement of our members, we’ve put in place a solid foundation over these last 19 months and I’m excited to build toward our future promise.

That’s why I’m pleased to introduce a new way to keep you closely informed: the CEO Quarterly Update. This communication is your direct line to the big picture and the inside story. This update will share news about key wins, behind-the-scenes efforts, and important insights that matter to our work and relevant to your success.

Welcome to this first edition. I hope you find it informative, relevant, and worthwhile.

– Robert

Your Chamber. For Business.

After more than a year of hard work realigning priorities with the needs of modern business – and with a specific focus on organizational, structural, and financial improvements – I’m pleased to say we’re on solid ground with clear priorities and purpose.

Today:

• The Chamber stands in a positive financial position and has implemented stronger governance and fiscal practices.
• Our internal structure is aligned to support stronger service delivery and greater member value.
• A new website centered on the member experience, offers easier access to information, resources, and opportunities.
• Our membership continues to grow stronger and more influential every day, with 2025 year-to-date memberships up more than 50% compared to this same time last year.

This work has been foundational. And it’s only the beginning.

Our Advocacy Agenda. Drives Business.

With a newly adopted Declaration of Principles to guide our policy work at local, state, and federal levels, the Chamber has sharpened its focus on the issues that matter most to our region’s businesses.

With public safety as a leading priority for the Metro Chamber this year, we hosted a retail theft roundtable in partnership with Sacramento County DA Thien Ho to emphasize the importance of implementing Prop 36 and the overall safety of our region with cross county collaboration.

We’re not just raising our voice—we’re being heard. In fact, we led the largest Cap-to-Cap delegation in Metro Chamber history, taking a unified voice of 450 regional leaders to Washington, D.C. in early May to advocate for our infrastructure, workforce, economic development, public safety, innovation needs and so much more.

Looking ahead, we will:

• Continue building coalitions across business sectors and policy jurisdictions
• Push for bold, collaborative solutions to challenges affecting Sacramento region businesses
• Deepen our relationships with public leaders to keep our region competitive, connected, and growing

Advocacy isn’t a side offering—it’s a core function of who we are and what we do on behalf of our members and our Capital Region.

Events & Programs. Connect Business.

2025 brings major milestones that speak to the Metro Chamber’s legacy of impact:

• 55 years since the first Cap-to-Cap delegation went to Washington D.C.
• 40th year of Metro PAC backing pro-business candidates and initiatives
• 40th Leadership Sacramento class generating new waves of strong and engaged leaders
• 25th year of Study Mission to learn best practices, expand thinking, inspire ideas from other metro regions across the nation

These are more than anniversaries—they are proof of our longstanding commitment to leadership development, civic engagement, and regional progress.

We’re also rolling out new programming designed to create greater access, deeper connections, and stronger support for businesses at every stage—from emerging entrepreneurs to legacy employers.

Whether through building relationships, leadership development, or access to expertise, our goal is simple: create value for our members, opportunities to connect, and impact for our region.

Moving Forward, Together

To our board members, thank you for your leadership and service. Your imprint on this organization is invaluable and long lasting.

And to all our members: you are the heart of this Chamber. Your drive, your resilience, and your commitment to this region inspire everything we do.

Our team’s promise to you and your success remains clear: No question unanswered. No business unsupported. No member ignored.

As we move into the rest of this year and prepare for what’s next, I couldn’t be more optimistic. We’re entering a new era for the Metro Chamber—defined by energy, ambition, and purpose. And we’re proud to lead it forward, with you at our side.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

With gratitude,

Robert W. Heidt, Jr.

President & CEO

Sacramento Metro Chamber