Over the past several weeks, I’ve found myself coming back to one word again and again: connection.
It sounds simple, but so much of what makes a strong business community comes down to people knowing one another, knowing what resources are available and knowing they have a place at the table.
At the Chamber, we spend a lot of time planning events, promoting our community and supporting our local businesses. But when I look at the work happening right now, I see something bigger than a calendar full of activities. I see opportunities to create connections.
This month, our Board members and Ambassadors are heading out into the community for a Membership Blitz. We’ll be stopping into businesses simply to say hello, learn more about what they do and make sure they know who we are. Some are longtime Chamber members. Some are businesses we haven’t had the opportunity to connect with yet. Both conversations matter.
In September, we’re hosting an AI Foundations for Business forum to help local businesses, nonprofits and organizations better understand a technology that is changing incredibly quickly. You don’t need to be a technology expert to participate. In fact, that’s exactly the point. Part of our job is helping bring resources and information here so our businesses have access to tools that can help them grow and adapt.
We’re also having bigger conversations about the future of our downtown and what Lake City could look like five, ten or even twenty years from now. Those conversations can’t belong to just one organization or one group of people. Our downtown belongs to all of us, and creating a long-term vision will require businesses, property owners, the City, community organizations and residents working together.
Even our community events are becoming more intentional about connection. As we plan this year’s Johnny Appleseed Day, we’re looking for new ways to encourage attendees to explore Lake City, walk into businesses they may have never visited before and experience more of what our community has to offer.
On October 5, we’ll also partner with the Women’s Club of Lake City to host a Meet the Candidates Forum at City Hall. Creating opportunities for our community to hear directly from candidates, learn about the issues and become more engaged is another important way we can help connect people with the decisions that affect our businesses and community.
This fall, we’re also planning to bring back Chamber 101 — an opportunity for new members, longtime members, prospective members or anyone who is simply curious to learn more about what the Chamber does and how to get involved.
And perhaps that last piece is especially important.
We can’t assume everyone knows what the Chamber does, what resources are available or how they can participate. We have to invite people into the conversation.
I want every business in our community to know there is a seat at the table for them. Chamber membership makes much of our work possible, and we are incredibly grateful for the businesses and organizations that invest in it. But relationships often begin long before someone fills out a membership application.
Sometimes they begin because someone walks through the door and says hello.
Strong communities aren’t built by one organization, one business or one great event. They’re built when people know one another, share ideas, listen to different perspectives and find ways to work together.
That’s the kind of Chamber we want to continue building — one that connects, listens, advocates and brings people to the table.
And if we haven’t connected with you yet, I hope we will soon.
Heather Thomas
President & CEO
Lake City Chamber of Commerce