Deep and constant faith
Business and professional people in small towns depend on each other for their economic survival. As the old German expression goes, "One hand washes the other." Without that type of cooperation, economic failure is certain.
Those who are active in community affairs help themselves as well as help the others. It's a "win win" situation. Those who contribute to community activities by volunteer effort or donated funds are not only appreciated — they are needed.
They should be especially appreciated by the ones who never volunteer and seldom contribute.
Any business or professional person who doesn't belong to the local Chamber of Commerce is missing an opportunity to guarantee his/her own future.
They offer numerous excuses and ask the same old questions;
"I can't afford the dues" is an empty excuse. Every business can afford the dues. The fact is, they can't afford not to belong.
Those whose business is on the skids — more than others — need to have the backing and leadership of a good strong commercial organization which works to improve the town.
Dues invested in a Chamber of Commerce membership amount to insurance against economic disaster.
The only organization in the world that's solely dedicated to work toward improvement of your town is your Chamber of Commerce. You should be a part of it.
Of course there are those who will go along for a free ride. They won't pay dues but will profit from the dues and efforts of others. There's a name for that kind of person; a name we don't dare publish.
"I don't have the time to attend meetings" is another lame excuse. Nobody is too busy to do what's needed. And if you are so busy, that's more reason to belong. The Chamber needs go-getters like you.
If you don't have the time to volunteer, perhaps you should offer to pay double dues. That's an idea with logic. You need to compensate for the time you can't spend doing committee work.
"It's the same old clique who does everything." Again, it's a flimsy excuse. If that bunch of folks do all the work and you don't like the way they're doing it, join 'em and push for doing it your way.
"What do they do for me?" That's the dumbest question of all. They are the only people who are doing anything for you and your business. Nobody else gives a damn.
Not belonging and participating is like not having insurance. You can't afford to be without it.
There are no valid excuses for not belonging, participating, and contributing to your local Chamber of Commerce (no matter where you are located. Every town has such an organization).
It's time to quit making excuses and get to work for the good of the community.
— BILL MEYER
