It’s Fall, suddenly, after a hot, hot, hot summer that seemed to extend far into September. While Mother Nature is winding down, many of us are gearing up.
I recently attended the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ontario (CCEO) conference in St Thomas, spending two and a half days with colleagues from Chambers across Ontario. CCEO is a peer and professional development organization for Ontario chambers, one I count on for advice, eagerly share ideas with, and one I am proud to serve as Treasurer on the Board of Directors.
We learned from each other and the excellent presenters, we laughed, we explored shared challenges, and co-created solutions. We walked away with ideas, tangible solutions, new efficiencies, and best practices for serving members. I personally walked away with a renewed sense of purpose and drive, and a renewed feeling of gratitude for the work I am privileged enough to do every day here in Grimsby.
We have a wonderful, connected, supportive Chamber community here in Grimsby, and it’s because of all of you. Your passion, your curiosity, your generosity, sharing your goals and your challenges.
The challenges facing businesses feel BIG. They ARE big. And confronting these challenges feels overwhelming, paralyzing, anxiety-inducing, and isolating, to say the least. And, you don’t have to do it alone, we have an entire Chamber community here to do it with you. So, I guess, from where I sit today, I want to say, DON’T do it alone. Reach out, share your challenges, share your wins however big or small, stay connected, choose collaboration. Leverage this amazing network.