Building a New Table

First off, a tremendous shout-out to everyone who celebrated with us at our annual Holiday Chamber Connect last week! Yes, I’m sure holiday elves are trending on social media….. (you had to be there). We had a great time, and I was especially gratified to see our chamber partners engage as well.

Which brings me to my thought for this week: Building a New Table.  It’s also the theme of our Annual Meeting on Feb 29, and we already are gearing up!

In my conversations with you, some of you have expressed this sense of, “where do I belong anymore? I’m not sure where I fit in….” You could be referring to the political landscape, or even your Chamber environment where you are seeing so many new faces. I get it - economic swings, demographic shifts, rapidly changing technology, partisanship in politics all challenge us to redefine the meaning of belonging and gathering.  I hope you know that all we do is intended to build a new table for the future – for everyone. In the words of my friend Mike Burbach, we want to organize around the good things that we want. What we want is a vibrant and equitable economy, celebration of business success, a future with room at the table for all who want to participate.  We have an innate need to belong; please know that your voice makes a difference. Your input, experience, and engagement make a difference.

And your Chamber is the great convener. I really hope you’ll join us at the Annual Meeting, and stay connected. Find an initiative that resonates with you. Find your own seat at the table. Because we all want to have a lasting impact, to do something that matters.

See you in the trenches,

B