It is nice seeing the Daily News' letters to the editor from our partners about the Chamber’s designation as one of the top three in our size in the nation. As I read Bill Waltrip's letter this weekend and thought about what is done every day by the Chamber, I watched the children playing in the pool. They were having a fabulous time flipping and slashing. Dads were throwing their kids in the air, whose loud squeals of joy were followed by the big spash. As I finished reading Bill’s letter to the editor to the laugher of the children nearby, I was reminded why it all counts. Everything connects. Because 1,300 Chamber partners contribute to make a difference in our business community equals so much more. One example came to my mind in an instant.

The leadership of Rick Kelley as Chamber Chairman in 2006 created a successful $2.8 million capital campaign and the new Chamber headquarters now at 710 College Street. Then he takes that same leadership that he shares with the business community and turns it to the children in our community leading the BG East 11 -12 Year Old Little League to win the State Championship. On Wednesday they head to the Great Lakes Regional Tournament for a chance to compete in the Little League World Series. They will be led out of town with a police escort, businesses will have good luck messages on their readerboards, and friends and families will cheer them on as they begin their journey. It all connects. It is our community!

Labels: Chamber of the Year, Community Pride