This year, the Chamber board, the committees, the volunteers, Kae the Executive Director, chamber staff and volunteers have done some wonderful programs and events, like Chamber Leadership, Regatta Golf Tournament, Women’s Seminar, and our Chamber recognition events.  They are all working diligently to accomplish the main objective of the Chamber:  “Create a vibrant, thriving and successful Business community in the Mini-Cassia area.”   I see my position this year’s similar to a captain of a ship, somewhat in charge during the voyage, but completely helpless without the involvement and help of so many others.

I recently read the book, Leading at the Edge by Dennis Perkins, where he had some amazing leadership strategies and life lessons learned from the heroic voyage of Earnest Shackleton in 1914.  The voyage was considered a “successful failure” because they never accomplished their original objective to be the first team to make an overland crossing of Antarctica, but was able to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and return every member of the crew back to safety.  Their original trip was to take 120 days, it ended up taking 634.  My tenure as president ends in 365 days, but I’d like to share one of these strategies each month as a way of perhaps helping you and your business to make 2010 a ‘vibrant, thriving and successful business’ year.

I look forward to listening to you, please feel free to email or get in touch with me if there is anything that YOUR chamber can do for you or your business.    In February, you will have the opportunity to attend the Chamber Installation Banquet; there we will have displays of each of our committees.  At each display there will be a sign up for the committee, if there is one that you’d like to be a part of, please consider making the decision now to help to make a difference in one or more committees.  The members of these committees aren’t asked for anything but an hour here or there, but those hours combined can accomplish amazing results!  Here’s a big “Thanks” to those that have gone before and done so much, and here’s to us to accomplishing great things in 2010!