Central Chamber Report: Six Great Years!

    This month marks the conclusion of my 6th year with the Central Chamber.  6 years ago, the first President/CEO had just left for another chamber position and I stepped in for a trial 2 month run. The rest, as they say, is history.  There have been a few discoveries I have made along the way and I thought I would share those with you over the next few weeks.
    The most valuable lesson I learned wasn’t about how to run a non-profit organization, how to operate with a board of directors, how to better market our commerce community, or how to better service our members but what I learned is that running a business is tough!  
    My hat goes off to all those brave entrepreneurs who dreamed a dream, took a risk, and started a business.  The phrase, “The buck stops here” truly applies to business owners.  If employees leave or don’t show up, if revenues are down and the bills are due there is no one else to turn to!  These creative individuals buckle down and find a way to make it work.  Through late nights, skipped vacations, and 6 to 7 day work weeks, these business owners press on!
    I have discovered so many courageous and fascinating people over the last 6 years.  These individuals are literally what keep our city going!  I’ve pointed it out countless times, and will often continue to do so, that our City of Central operates on the sales taxes generated and the fees paid by many of these business owners.  These business owners work hard to provide goods and services to our community, and that makes it possible for our citizens to meet many of their needs locally.  
    This brings me to another point I’ve learned.  It isn’t a lesson or an idea but it is a phrase.  This is a phrase, that much like the point on taxes and fees, I will continually remind us about.  The phrase is, “Shop Central First!” By you, our citizens, continuing to shop locally you help business owners provide jobs, you stimulate the local economy, and you help support our Central School System and the City of Central.  
    As we move into the busy holiday season, remember what I’ve learned.  Starting, running, and maintaining a business is tough!  It takes a tremendous amount of determination and perseverance.  However, you can make it easier by remembering this phrase, not just over the holidays but 365 days a year, “Shop Central First!”