What’s the season again?!

I think it’s safe to say that the weather this past year was very…odd. Last year around this time, (if I remember correctly) we had a normal winter. A few snow showers here and there, but nothing like the winter before (thank goodness!).

We then slowly rolled into spring. A few weeks later, it was summer. I felt robbed – we barely even had spring! Spring is one of my favorite seasons (not only because it’s the season of which my birthday is in) but because it’s beautiful weather! Flowers start to bloom, the sun stays out longer and you can finally go outside for long periods of time and not feel like an icicle. Where did it go?

I slowly got over the fact that there was nothing I could do get spring back and embraced summer. I don’t mind summer; in fact I enjoy it! I love riding my motorcycle around on back roads and going on vacations with my family. However, this past summer was one of the hottest I can ever remember. We reached record high temperatures and I swear there was 100% humidity every day.  It felt like a sauna out there!

I’m not even going to get into the fact that we didn’t have a fall either, because then I’d be ranting forever. But we all know that summer ran right into winter – remember the snow storm we had on Halloween?!

You’re probably wondering why I’m raving about the weather, but I compare our current economy to the weather – you never know what will happen today, tomorrow or even next spring. Some reports say that we’re almost out of the current recession but then others say we’re headed into another recession. It changes every day. How can you truly stay on top of the matter?

Thanks to The Chamber, we offer programs, events and initiatives, like Think Local, to help better our local economy and educate our community. Do you want to learn how The Chamber’s going to continue to help make our community prosperous for 2012? Then I strongly encourage you to attend our Annual Business Meeting, February 17 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. to hear The Chamber unveil its strategic priorities for 2012. Attending this event gives you the opportunity to hear firsthand from Chamber leadership on our plan to lead Lancaster County’s business community. You’re not alone; we’re all in this together as a community.  Now about that weather…

Where does the time go?

When I was younger, I remember my parents always saying how fast time flies by. I would look up at them and shrug it off because time for me at that age seemed to take forever. Whenever I was in school, sports practice or even certain family gatherings, time felt like it was at a standstill.

Fast forward a few years later until I was a junior in college. I remember it was during finals week for the fall semester and I was thinking to myself that I only have three more semesters to go and then I’ll be finished college – how exciting! After this thought actually processed through my mind, I realized that I only have three more semesters left of my college career! How could this be? I was just a senior in high school and now I’ll soon be a senior in college?  It wasn’t until this moment that I realized that my parents were right – time does fly!

In a blink of an eye I was graduating college and soon after I started working for The Chamber. A few days ago I received an email congratulating me on my first 90 days of work. I couldn’t believe that I have been working for more than three months when it only feels like I just started yesterday!

Knowing that time is out of our control and that we all never seem to have enough hours in a day, we should step back and look at the bigger picture: be thankful for the time that we do have and take advantage of it. Now that it’s the holiday season, spend as much time as you can with your friends and family and enjoy every second of it!

 

Time is free, but it’s priceless.You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back – Harvey MacKay

Chamber Membership Cannot be Measured

Every once in a while, someone asks me to justify their Chamber membership on a dollar-to-dollar basis.  They say, “What will I get in return for my dues that will improve my bottom line by that amount or more?”  I say, if you are measuring our value in that regard we better have a talk about how you can plan on getting involved or utilizing the resources available to you as a member, because just joining doesn’t guarantee bottom-line results.

By refusing to be judged on a dollar-to-dollar basis I am not trying to dodge the “tough question.”  Rather, I am trying to reinforce my belief that the value of Chamber membership cannot be adequately measured that way.  Let me explain.

As the only county-wide organization advocating for state and federal transportation dollars, what is the bottom-line savings to a specific business for improvements on Route 30 or enhancements at our Train Station or flight service at our airports (Lancaster & Harrisburg)?

What is the bottom-line value of our recently launched and financially supported Think Local campaign that is designed to encourage local businesses and consumers to do business with local businesses and, in so doing, benefit the entire community?

What is the bottom-line value of our Sustainable Cities initiative where we are mobilizing and advocating for state legislative changes that will enable our local government to govern in a more cost-effective manner and, in so doing, improve the local business climate?

What is the bottom-line value of attending any of our free Mixers where you can avail yourself to 200-plus business people?  We can’t promise you business; but I know we can deliver the opportunity!

What is the value of showcasing local best practices, peer groups and other professional development opportunities right here in your own back yard?  Many people have found time and time again that that “one take-away” they experienced at an event resulted in increased business, reduced expenses or an entirely new market opportunity (and we have testimonial after testimonial to prove it!).

The above represent the real value of The Chamber and your support through membership enables it all to happen.  Make no mistake about it, we need and appreciate our members!  However, we also like to think that our members need us –even in ways they don’t fully realize.  Working together we can grow everyone’s bottom line and continue our collective quest toward “Building Lancaster County into a model of prosperity for 21^st Century America.”

Holiday Shopping with a Local Spin

Well, it happened. This Monday (Oct. 17) I was minding my own business and cooking with the television on in the background, when I noticed the snow, tinsel and red ornaments on the screen. It was a holiday commercial… in October. To be fair, it was for Avon, where you must place orders now to have product by Christmas. But still, isn’t it awfully early to be thinking about buying gifts? Or maybe I’m just behind the eight-ball as the only person who hasn’t started thinking about it??

Either way, I did some research on holiday spending forecasts, and according to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, holiday shoppers will be buying more gifts online this year than ever before: 46.7% will be purchasing online, up from 43.9% last year.

It is interesting to me that while movements are springing up across the country to encourage support of small businesses—including the Chamber’s Think Local initiative—more Americans are shopping from the comfort of their homes.

No one would argue the convenience of slipping into pajamas and surfing the web at midnight to complete a shopping list. However, I challenge you to Think Local as you embark on your holiday shopping journey. As technological opportunities advance, you will find that many Lancaster-based businesses have an online store presence, and by placing an order with these folks, instead of a vendor hundreds of miles away, you will keep money in the community, which leads to increased prosperity and sustainability.

Check out the Chamber’s membership directory to see if your favorite shops are members, and make a point out of spending your holiday budget locally. When we Think Local, we invest back into the community we love, and—simply stated—there’s no better gift for the long-term than a thriving, successful Lancaster County.

Think Local – Discover the Advantages!

So, think about your most recent purchase. Did you shop online or at a local store? What did you consider before making the purchase – price, quality, convenience, customer service? Did the positive impact of spending dollars locally ever cross your mind or influence your purchasing decisions?

It’s probably safe to say that rarely do consumers consider much beyond price and convenience these days. However, when you begin to understand the impact that your dollars have when you shop locally and the ripple effect that can have on our community, you may begin to ask more questions prior to making a purchase. Questions like:

Is the product I want to buy grown or manufactured here?

Is it assembled, processed and/or packaged here?

Is it sold by a local company/business?

Is the company community-minded, supportive of local causes and charitable or non-profit organizations?

Does the company employ local workers?

Do they pay local taxes?

The case for supporting local businesses is simple. When you support local businesses …

-        More money stays in the community. Money spent locally recirculates back into the community helping to fund non-profit and community organizations that serve and help local people.

-        Local jobs are created and sustained. Money spent locally increases business productivity and creates a better business climate – resulting in more employment opportunities.

-        The local community and economy are strengthened. The cycle of creating and spending wealth locally helps strengthen the economy and broader community.

-        Quality of life is improved. Local business owners and their employees contribute financially and volunteer their time to support local organizations and charities, which directly impacts the quality of life for the broader community.

-        Customer service is enhanced. When you buy products locally you are doing business and building relationships with people you know, making any future services, repairs or follow-ups simple and convenient.

I participated on The Lancaster Chamber’s Task Force that studied the impact of “buy local” initiatives that have been implemented across the country, and there is evidence that this type of initiative can strengthen a local economy by sustaining and creating jobs, growing and strengthening businesses, and recirculating wealth within a community to support charitable and service oriented non-profits that help people in our community, improving our overall quality of life.

I’m excited about the launch of this initiative, and hope that others are as enthusiastic about the benefits our community can reap from such a campaign.

Remember, you do have a choice; you can make a difference. Think Local!

Insights from Vacation

For the first time in my professional life, I just had the luxury of taking a two-week vacation at the beach.  And I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to do so.  The time spent with family was invigorating; the time spent removed from the day-to-day of work allowed for broader thinking; and the time spent on the beach and in the surf was just what the doctor ordered (figuratively speaking!).

Yet, as removed as I was from my normal routines, the free time allowed for a lot more opportunity to read newspapers (something I love to do).  As a result, my vacation ended with me actually feeling more connected with the news of the world than usual.  Whether it be the debt ceiling debate, the value of candidate “pledges,” the latest Marcellus shale report, the Rupert Murdoch mess or even my beloved and resurgent Pittsburgh Pirates, I read articles, editorials and perspectives about them all and enjoyed every, sandy minute of it.

While it was great to feel all caught up on the news of the day, it was also helpful to be reminded that we don’t live in a “black-or-white” world.  That the issues that face us frequently present many differing, yet often reasoned, perspectives.  Sure the media attention is often focused on the perspectives of the rigid right or the loony left, because that makes for good theatre and clearly defined debates, but as I read as many views as I could get my hands on during the vacation, I increasingly found that the answers that best resonated with me were often found somewhere in the middle, with both “sides” being right about some things and both “sides” being wrong about others.  But our public debate and politics rarely allows for such an admission, as what were previously “lines in the sand” that, at least, allowed you to talk over, have become ten-foot concrete walls that seem built to shut out ongoing dialogue.

So, at the end of the day, my vacation not only left better informed but it also enabled me to ponder a question that would welcome your feedback. 

Under what circumstances should principle rule absolutely everything and under what circumstances is the art of compromise actually a virtue (versus a weakness)?  The tension around this question seems to play itself out on a regular basis on a host of issues, yet our nation and state seem to be somewhat held hostage to the answer.  What’s your answer?

The Need for More Reagan’s … and Carter’s

That’s right.  We need more Reagan’s and Carter’s.  This may sound like a political contradiction, but let me fill you in.

Secretary Brian Duke, of The Commonwealth’s Department of Aging, was the featured speaker at The Chamber’s recent Executive Forum for Aging Service Providers.  And during his presentation on “Future Trends on Long Term Care,” Mr. Secretary had the program’s attendees participate in a unique exercise to demonstrate the lack of age diversity within the long-term care industry.

First, he asked everyone to raise their hand.  Then, he asked that we drop them as he mentioned the Presidential administration in which we were born. 

He started with FDR (a few attendees dropped their hands) and went on down the line.  Truman (more hands down), Eisenhower (his hand went down), JFK (yup), LBJ (uh-huh), Nixon (you bet), Ford (that was me), Carter (the last few), and by Reagan all hands were down.  Secretary Duke said that he recently facilitated this same exercise at an industry conference with over 400 attendees.  When he was done, there were few attendees under 30 years old. 

So while Secretary Duke stressed the importance that his industry engages younger professionals for its long term sustainability, I implore you and your industry to do the same.  The future success of our collective model of prosperity depends on it.

Annual Dinner Experience

By Nick Gould Photography

One of my favorite parts of my job here at The Chamber is that I get to work with a great team of people to help plan and execute our Annual Dinner (a huge kudos to all of you!).

I have been involved in three Dinners now, and each has their own special take away – this year was no exception. During the Receptions, I had the opportunity to assist our top level sponsors who had the opportunity to have their picture taken with Former President George W. Bush. The excitement and energy was so evident as these folks were waiting for their photo – I knew the night was going to be great from the energy generated during this beginning portion. Little did I know that the best was yet to come.

As Former President George W. Bush made his way to his seat (which was located just behind my chair!), he looked me square in the eyes and said: “Hey, how are you doing?” My first reaction was shock and I gave a quick reply of “good.” I felt like a giddy schoolgirl! That moment was so exhilarating and felt like a huge reward for all of the planning.

By Nick Gould Photography

Who knew that I would be right outside of the velvet ropes and that close to a former President?!

I hope you enjoyed The Dinner as much as I did and would love to know your take-away from the evening.

Making a Difference One Fish at a Time

One of my passions is fishing, whether it’s in the bay for flounder or in the ocean for white marlin. This passion is one that I share with my entire family and one that we’re using to make a difference in children’s lives.

My family and I have been volunteering for the Wish-A-Fish Foundation for seven years, a non-profit organization that organizes fishing trips throughout the year in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania for families who have children with “special needs.” During those seven years we’ve been instrumental in bringing awareness to the organization in a new location, Ocean City, Maryland.

Seven years ago my father, with the help from the organization’s president and the Ocean City Marlin Club, started a one-day event that enabled children with “special needs” to spend the day fishing on a larger charter boat. The first year brought five children and their families and one charter boat and has now grown to 60 children and their families and two charter boats, and this year’s event on July 23 promises to be no different.

Thanks to the support of corporate monetary donations and the donations of fishing gear from local and nationally stores, the children are rewarded after the trip with a banquet where they all receive awards and goody bags.

Volunteering for Wish-A-Fish is such a rewarding experience and one that I look forward to every year. The children’s smiling faces and pure excitement touch my heart and reinforces the importance of giving back to others. 

What’s your passion? Are you using it to make a difference?

Thank You

It is remarkable to think that just one week ago we were in “day after” recovery mode from our largest event of the year. This year we hosted George W. Bush at our Lancaster Chamber Annual Dinner. Let’s just say that this caliber of speaker does create some challenges for our Chamber staff coordinating the event. The majority of us play supporting roles leading up to and during the actual day, but for a small group there’s intense planning for months. This year that intense planning included working over the holiday weekend, long days which turn in to long nights and I’m sure included lots of caffeine.

Our overall theme at this year’s event was giving thanks to businesses and individuals in the community making a difference, for all of us, every day. I wanted to take a moment to give thanks to my coworkers who make a difference here, at The Chamber, for our members and each other every day.

Our Communications Department; Allison Bucher, Laura Brady and Tom Czyzykowski.

• Thank you for your commitment to increase attendance and participation of our Chamber events and programs.
• Thanks you for pushing the communication bar and continuing to meet our members where they are at be it Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.
• Thank you for our technology updates and saving the day (or night) for many of us in our time of IT need.

Our Operations Department; Angi Fritz, Annette Auchter, Dan Arnold, Keith Eckman and Susan Kauffman.

• Thank you for your dedication to keeping our database full of the most precious information up to date.
• Thank you for jumping right in to help get us organized.
• Thank you for introducing our team to innovative ways to grow and get involved.
• Thank you for rescuing us when we don’t know who else to call on.
• Thank you for being the first smile and friendly voice of The Chamber to our visitors and callers.

Our Finance Department; Jim Shaub and Lindsey Hunt.

• Thank you for your love of numbers and complicated reports.
• Thank you for joining our team and embarking upon this wonderful journey.

Our Marketing Department; Greg Freedland, Jessica Sparkes, Marita Skacel, Maureen Ward, Sandi Thompson and Sarah Stevens.

• Thank you for taking survey results and making a difference for future events and programs.
• Thank you for listening to our members needs and enhancing their recognition and visibility.
• Thank you for seeking fresh ways to develop our members, from professional development to learning how we can all live in productive harmony.
• Thank you for your enthusiasm and passion amidst the stress of planning, umm, only our largest events of the year.
• Thank you for the development of resources and efforts to improve Lancaster’s future workforce.
• Thank you for being our event cheerleader; registrations and countless questions always with a smile.

Our Membership Department; Beth Gerber and Kristy Reel.

• Thank you for your steadfast guidance and creative allowance in carving our own professional path.
• Thank you for navigating through these challenging times with us and persevering.

Our Executive Department; Cheryl Irwin, Hillary Dodds and Tom Baldrige.

• Thank you for being The Chamber “glue”, from writing the Annual Dinner script and editing our Chamber News, to overseeing our Chamber staff and leading committees.
• Thank you for organizing one heck of a China business excursion and working behind the scenes with Cheryl and Tom.
• Thank you, last but certainly not least for being a fierce visionary. Your dedication to our organization and our community is admirable.

An event like the Annual Dinner can’t be pulled off simply with just a few people. It does take our entire team in one part or another to make it successful. From our Chamber staff to all our volunteers, thank you for making this a great organization to be a part of!

Check out our Annual Dinner opening video, http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLancasterChamber