"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy
are those who will have sought and found how to serve."
? Albert Schweitzer, Medical Doctor and Humanitarian
Well, here it is, my 24th and final article written as chairwoman of the board. Next month, our good friend Carlton Lund will be in this chair, and I will move on to that bittersweet position of past chairwoman.
Over these past 2 years, I have had the privilege of reaching out to you on various timely topics. Occasionally, I donned my financial advisor's hat with what I hope was helpful advice about issues such as planning for a successful financial future, living well in retirement, prudent portfolio management and even investing in the sustainability of our planet.
More often, I put on my philanthropy planner's hat and wrote about the joys of volunteering, the financial benefits of charitable gift planning, the "win-win" of cause-related marketing and how living a giving lifestyle and being grateful can transform your life.
Thanks to those of you who shared with all of us your uplifting thoughts about why you are grateful for blessings in your life.
I thank Ted Owen, our president and CEO for the inspiration to reach out to some of our members to ask them why they are grateful. A couple of times each month Ted, quite an accomplished cook, puts on his white chef's jacket and prepares lunch for the Chamber staff members and a few guests.
"Ted's Tuesday" is always a fun occasion, often a lot like Comedy Central, with happy banter about what is going on around the office or with families. After one or two servings of healthy and delicious lunch, each person in turn talks about what they are grateful for that day. This ritual often evokes more serious conversations, and invariably includes heartfelt thanks for being able to work in the chamber's supportive environment, their co-workers and family, and of course, lunch.
The staff members of our chamber, your chamber, who sit around that table are amazing, with a collective work ethic that is remarkable. There is always a willingness to share the load and always with the greatest of good humor. They each must have a magic wand to do the mountain of work they do, and do well.
We are most fortunate to have a huge number of volunteers who help make the chamber machine hum. More than 250 members serve the chamber on its various committees and on the board of directors. They bring great expertise, experience and willingness to help others, and each other, knowing that the success of our mission depends upon everyone working together.
In December of each year, at the Volunteer Awards Breakfast, the chamber celebrates the contributions of our volunteers who give so much.
Many of us around the chamber have adopted the book "The Go-Giver," a little gem written by Bob Burg and John David Mann who are prolific givers to their profession and in their communities. The philosophy they share is that your life, your relationships and your business, are all enriched by being a "go-giver," not just a "go-getter." I urge you to take the time to read this inspiring little book for an uplifting view about how you can be successful by giving.
As for me, I am grateful for the journey traveled over these years. Thank you for the incredible opportunity to chair the board and to get to know you and learn about your businesses, your interests and passions. I wish you all the greatest success and happiness now and into the future.
are those who will have sought and found how to serve."
? Albert Schweitzer, Medical Doctor and Humanitarian
Well, here it is, my 24th and final article written as chairwoman of the board. Next month, our good friend Carlton Lund will be in this chair, and I will move on to that bittersweet position of past chairwoman.
Over these past 2 years, I have had the privilege of reaching out to you on various timely topics. Occasionally, I donned my financial advisor's hat with what I hope was helpful advice about issues such as planning for a successful financial future, living well in retirement, prudent portfolio management and even investing in the sustainability of our planet.
More often, I put on my philanthropy planner's hat and wrote about the joys of volunteering, the financial benefits of charitable gift planning, the "win-win" of cause-related marketing and how living a giving lifestyle and being grateful can transform your life.
Thanks to those of you who shared with all of us your uplifting thoughts about why you are grateful for blessings in your life.
I thank Ted Owen, our president and CEO for the inspiration to reach out to some of our members to ask them why they are grateful. A couple of times each month Ted, quite an accomplished cook, puts on his white chef's jacket and prepares lunch for the Chamber staff members and a few guests.
"Ted's Tuesday" is always a fun occasion, often a lot like Comedy Central, with happy banter about what is going on around the office or with families. After one or two servings of healthy and delicious lunch, each person in turn talks about what they are grateful for that day. This ritual often evokes more serious conversations, and invariably includes heartfelt thanks for being able to work in the chamber's supportive environment, their co-workers and family, and of course, lunch.
The staff members of our chamber, your chamber, who sit around that table are amazing, with a collective work ethic that is remarkable. There is always a willingness to share the load and always with the greatest of good humor. They each must have a magic wand to do the mountain of work they do, and do well.
We are most fortunate to have a huge number of volunteers who help make the chamber machine hum. More than 250 members serve the chamber on its various committees and on the board of directors. They bring great expertise, experience and willingness to help others, and each other, knowing that the success of our mission depends upon everyone working together.
In December of each year, at the Volunteer Awards Breakfast, the chamber celebrates the contributions of our volunteers who give so much.
Many of us around the chamber have adopted the book "The Go-Giver," a little gem written by Bob Burg and John David Mann who are prolific givers to their profession and in their communities. The philosophy they share is that your life, your relationships and your business, are all enriched by being a "go-giver," not just a "go-getter." I urge you to take the time to read this inspiring little book for an uplifting view about how you can be successful by giving.
As for me, I am grateful for the journey traveled over these years. Thank you for the incredible opportunity to chair the board and to get to know you and learn about your businesses, your interests and passions. I wish you all the greatest success and happiness now and into the future.