Well, we are three and a half months into 2010 and the Dow just hit 11,000, evidence of those green shoots we talked about a few months ago are still alive. I am on an airplane back from a trip to Las Vegas where we watched my daughter and her cheer squad perform at nationals. From everything I saw in Vegas, money still seems to be moving through the economy and people still have money to gamble, shop and eat very expensive food. From my vantage point, we have much to be optimistic about. I talked to people from all over the country and around the world and they had one thing in common - their outlook seems to be improving and many are pulling their heads out from the sand to look around for the first time in a year! I am not suggesting taking your eyes off the road or the hands off the wheel, but it feels like the car is headed toward terra firma.
On April 14th the Greater Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 45th birthday as the incorporation papers were ratified by the State in 1965. It is a year of milestones with the chamber as it embarks on new opportunities with our office and the small business development center. We are just a week away from the fishing derby which allows us to bring our entire community together for another memory-making family event. Our chamber continues to advocate for business with our relationships with the cities, county and state governments as well as our membership with the East King County Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition.
We have an opportunity for leadership development, networking, and community service coming up through open positions on our board of directors. I have always said any opportunity is what you make of it and membership in the chamber is the same. Those who seize the opportunity and get involved typically find more value in almost anything they do. Life, as in business, is not a spectator sport especially in these challenging times. We need all cylinders firing, we need to keep our eye on the ball and we need to stay focused on the goal of the success of our business. Many will look back at these times and realize that they squandered a chance to do things better or to do things more efficiently. There are those that said everything is up for discussion, everything is on the table. What if we had more time to spend analyzing what we do and how we do it? That time is now.
Our economy will bounce back, business will pull America out of this challenge, and ingenuity, resilience, and hard work will get us back on track. One night I stood at the fountains at the Bellagio with my family and watched an amazing water show with Lee Greenwood’s “God bless the USA” playing in the background. As I fought back that lump in my throat I couldn’t help but think of the blessings, the hope, the freedom and the opportunity we have here that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. I thought of those who have perished on land and sea seeking the very thing we often take for granted. I thought of my great grandparents, who with their life savings risked everything for a better life for their families in America. I thought of putting my trials and tribulations into perspective. I thought how much better off most people would be if they realized that the greatest opportunity one has is right in front of them and that coupled with action, will result in success!
Added on 04/20/2010
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President's Letter by Chamber blog
