It's spring but I'm in the mood for Thanks Giving.

It's not that I'm hungry for turkey and dressing or the sound of football in the background. It's just that I find myself feeling extremely grateful lately.  [ Memo to reader; Please consider this to be a personal Thank YOU note.]  So many people are doing wise and wonderful things to help Orrville continue to thrive, and you are probably one of them!

Every time - and I do mean EVERY time - I attend a CCEO (Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio) conference, I drive home with a big smile on my face.  "Why is that?" you may ask.  Well, I'm here to tell  you.

This is how it typically works. There are breakout discussion groups to attend.  All are well done and the conversation among other Chamber executives is quite interesting.  But here is what happens to me.   

Let's say one of the choices might be "How to Get Along with Your City Hall."  I'll think, "Well, that's not a problem for me.  Our people at city hall are terrific and their doors are always open."  

How about, "Building Better Relationships with Your Local Newspaper."  Hmmmm, we're OK there.  Paul Locher from the Daily Record is always available, and of course with our wonderful OrrViews community paper we have no problem sharing our information. I'll pass.

Jon Ritchie

Maybe it's "Working with Your Local School District".   Pretty sure Jon Ritchie and our local Board of Education could run THAT seminar.  I decide to skip that discussion.

Darrin Wasniewski

How about something like "Better Communication and Partnerships with Other Economic Development Organizations"?   Nope.  Darrin and I have already been invited to speak at a Heritage Ohio conference about how Chamber and Main Street programs really can get along.  Add to that our Office of Orrville Economic Development and our monthly meetings with Mike Hedberg and Mayor Handwerk - well, seems to me we are way ahead of the game when it comes to partnerships and teamwork.   

Mike Hedberg

The list goes on, from finding ways to connect with your local college, the not-for-profit organizations, and of course the big one - the manufacturing sector.  Last time I checked, 100% of our industries in Orrville are solid supporters of the Chamber.

Of course I do find several good discussion groups and I always have some valuable nuggets of information to bring back to the job.  But most often, I sit and listen in astonishment to the struggles and problems some Chambers have simply trying to get along with their constituents. Even their Boards can be problematic. Really?

Mayor Dave Handwerk

And so, even though we all know Orrville isn't quite perfect and there is always work to do,  I consistently come away knowing I wouldn't trade places with anyone.  Therefore, the smile!

This isn't about me, folks.  It's about YOU.  And certainly about everyone who came before us - those who set the standard for how things get done around here.

Bruce Schantz

Steve Higley

My first year on the job (2000), I was utterly delighted to hear Steve Higley (who had just brought AmeriSteel Bright Bar to Orrville) unknowingly echo the identical experience of support, sharing and open door policies that Bruce Schantz, in his last years at Schantz Organ Company, had shared with me as he reminisced about the 40's and 50's just a few weeks prior to my conversation with Steve.  That really resonated with me.  Now THAT is where progress and tradition meet.

This is why we are very excited about the new marketing brand for our community. What a perfect fit!  Indeed, we can "Thrive Here!" and we believe others can come and thrive here, too.  Help spread the word!

And that, my friends, is why I am doing MY thanks giving in May. 

How about you?
Jenni



To sign up to follow this blog, see "Follow" option in top left corner or subscribe by email below.