Rewards of volunteering surpass the costs

Our organization could not sustain itself without the help of volunteers. They are such a vital part of everything we do, from organizing the Ostrich Festival to acting as ambassadors to new businesses.

Volunteering is such an important part of any community. Not only does it provide personal growth and networking opportunities for the volunteer, it also provides support and resources for organizations that simply couldn't survive without the extra help.

Our board of directors at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce is an extraordinary group of volunteers. We joke that our board is an "active board," but we really mean it. Our board members not only meet together as a group once a month to discuss key decisions, but also are expected to either serve as chair or sit on other various committees. They also attend the myriad events sponsored by the chamber each month.

We are always lucky as well to find these amazing people that not only serve on the board, but also serve as board chairs. We just recently inducted our new board chairwoman, Karen Bredeson of M & I Bank, who replaces Karen Cupps of the Salt River Project.

Cupps was one of those rare, hard-to-find, volunteers who never cease to amaze me. She started as chairwoman in the middle of 2003, taking on an 18-month term. In July 2004, the Chandler chamber was also given the responsibility to lead the East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance.

This group rotates the lead among seven chambers. Since she was our current board chairwoman at the time, she actually continues in that role through July.

Cupps also heads our Economic Development Division, and every year at the Ostrich Festival you can find her manning the "command" center the entire weekend.

It's people like her that makes my job so much more enjoyable.

All our board members are that way, and I know that Bredeson, our new chairwoman, will continue to lead our group with that same dedication.

If you are a volunteer in the community, I know that I speak for all non-profit and service organizations when I say "thanks" - not only to the volunteer, but also companies like SRP that support and encourage them.

I encourage anyone to consider spending some of your time as a volunteer. The rewards will surpass the time you spend. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity and need help finding the right organization, call me at the chamber offices at (480) 963-4571. I'll be happy to lead you in the right direction.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.