Recently I read a great quote: "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." - Douglas Adams. This seems to epitomize the thought of many small business owners and certainly for myself. Many times when a business owner begins to put together a plan and envisions what their business will look like, the end result is different. There are so many outside influences that change our plotted course and many times for the better. This is no different in our personal lives.
During this time of year, Thanksgiving, I think of people who are struggling since the downturn of the economy. So many of us have had to dramatically change our plans; tighten up our budgets, give up small luxuries, or even more difficult…ask for help. The changes that have occurred have forced all of us to look at our lives and reassess where we were, we are now, and where we are going. We have received the gift of awareness: appreciating what we have and identifying what is really important to us.
2010 is almost over and I am sure that you have had some new experiences which have helped you to grow professionally and personally. A new year is just around the corner and you have an opportunity to set new goals and make plans, but don’t forget to be prepared for bumps in the road. When you drive down the road you generally try to avoid the potholes and slow down for the bumps. Awareness is critical. If you don’t pay attention you may hit the hazard and get a flat tire. Do you then just get out of your car, close the door and walk away or do you pull out the spare, change the tire and go on your way?
Local businesses have changed a lot of “flat tires” over the past few years, became more prepared for the hazards and modified their business plans. I hope during this time of year when you have a moment to reflect on your growth you also have an opportunity to be thankful. It may not have been in your plans to be where you are, but maybe there is a greater purpose.
We have an amazing community here in Maple Valley and Black Diamond and for that I am thankful. I cannot imagine living anywhere else. The local business owners give so much to support the residents through the Community Centers, Food Banks, local sports organizations and other fundraising groups. Even when times are tough, these business owners know that there are others who are in greater need and they do what they can with what they have to give. I encourage you to take a moment, support your local businesses, and thank them for their contribution to our great community. I also want to thank each of you who live or work in Maple Valley and Black Diamond for making a difference. I know that this may not be where we intended to go but I believe this is where we needed to be.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Karen Crowe
Added on 11/11/2010
Filed Under
President's Message by Chamber blog
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