President's Article - February 2012

We do a lot of things here at the Chamber of Commerce. Last Friday night we celebrated 66 years of service to the business community. We also swore in new members of the Chamber's Board of Directors including our new Board Chair - Ellen O'Brien. Awards were presented to the Businesspersons of the Year Seth and Nicole Russell, Citizens of the Year Bill Burckhalter and the volunteers at the Kirkwood Train Station, Lifetime Achievement Award to Alvin and Romona Miller and the Volunteer of the Year to Colleen Schluter.

Now we are planning a new series called Chamber on the Road. This series takes us to member businesses to see what makes them tick. The Business Expo promises to be bigger and better than last years. Watch for information about the Golf Tournament, Mellon Madness, Scarecrows, and the 2012 Happy Holliday's Boutique.

The Chamber Board and staff always look forward to these great occasions, but as Bob Hope once said, "When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things - not the great occasions - that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness."

This past year I have personally enjoyed the simplest things. The time I have been given with the members, the discussions we've shared have been the greatest blessing. There have been exciting discussions with Jim Durbin about his love for cars, with David Collin about his passion for the Chamber and with Bob Miller about his vision for the Kirkwood Rotary Club.

I've learned about the great things going on in the school district from Tom Williams. Members have shared information about the business trips they've taken like Dave Harts trip to Vegas for the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show, Rob Schainker's trips abroad, Brad Sowers' nationwide meetings with Chevrolet, and several members' trips to Disney World.

In this job I hear the pros and cons of parking lots, sign ordinances, bond issues, and special use permits. Citizens passionate about their government and their cities' are meeting in a forum that permits all to speak. The final decision rests on elected officials who know their vote won't please everyone.

There are sad times when fellow Chamber members meet to grieve over the loss of their friends. Remembering how those who have passed touched their lives and expressing sorrow to the families left behind.

I've had enough coffee to last a lifetime, eaten too many calories with friends at lunch and been in the homes of others learning about them and their families.
It is my hope that all members attend as many Chamber events as possible. But, don't forget to enjoy the simplest times. Take time to meet and know your fellow members. If you don't know someone listed in the directory, visit their business, see what they do and learn about them as you share yourself with them. If you can't get out of the office, join the Chamber groups on LinkedIn or Facebook. You'll get a great perspective from these venues.

People enjoy doing business with someone they know. Learn to know your fellow Chamber members. Take the time - it will pay off in friendships, which will grow your business. As I search for an appropriate quote to end, I find one written by Groucho Marx - "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana."