Cedar City Chamber of Commerce Blog

         Gratitude escapes me easily when I feel the pressure of work and home pounding down on me. I’m not alone, I’m sure. It’s the negative effect born of a positive tradition of celebration and endless merry-making this time of year. People often feel so pressured to embrace the season that they forget to embrace the reasons we come together in the first place to share our believes and express our heartfelt admiration with expensive gifts and gooey food.
                Whether I carefully contemplate it or not, I’m grateful every day. Whether I express it out loud or simply acknowledge it with a tired smile, I’m grateful nearly every hour of every day. However, today I have come to decide it is the expression of gratitude – honest to goodness gratitude – that blesses us most by blessing those around us.
                Today, I am grateful.
                I sincerely hope it’s a given that I’m grateful for my friends and family. I’m grateful that my beautiful children are independent and smart and sometimes stubborn. I’m glad that they’re forgiving and that I can give them something to forgive (they need all the practice they can get).

 I’m grateful for parents who value education on many different levels and from a variety of sources.  I’m grateful for my health, my mind, a roof over my head, food in my refrigerator (regardless of the expiration date) and clothes on my back. I’m grateful for the beautiful surroundings that I drink in every day.

I’m grateful for the ability to stand and not fall. I’m grateful for the ability to fall and still stand.

I could go on like this forever, but your list is probably strikingly similar to mine – with one possible exception: I’m grateful for the league of professionals that follow me and in doing so, lead me.

As the executive director of the Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce, I have the pleasure of working with entrepreneurs and community leaders every day. As president of the Utah State Chamber of Commerce in 2008 I will have the pleasure of working even more closely with great leaders throughout the state, the nation – and, yeah, okay – the world. (We’re going to China in March!)

It’s astounding.

Have you ever seen those Verizon Wireless Network commercials where the guy in the goofy glasses is standing behind various cell phone users with an endless network of experts right behind him? That’s what I feel like today. And you know what? I’m grateful.

Active members of the Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce know what it’s like to associate with people who are strong, smart, tested, experienced professionals who want to succeed. Life’s setbacks rarely hold them back for long and every success is evident in the demeanor of every individual who joins this group of independent thinkers with common goals. It’s engaging, stimulating, , nurturing, educational, encouraging, exhausting and life-saving.
                I genuinely feel the power of these people as if they were literally standing behind me. They seem to be all within arms’ reach – all at the ready to assist me. I call on them constantly and (if I’m lucky) they call on me. Through the chamber of commerce I have found friendships that never would have found me had I remained in my own limited circle of loved ones.

I have insurance agents, financial advisors, investment specialists, bankers, mechanics, energy experts, doctors, nurses, massage therapists, yoga instructors, counselors, car salesmen, retailers, cooks, servers, business advisors, educators, marketing experts, computer geniuses, writers, reporters, politicians, disc jockeys, homemakers, scrapbookers, nutritionists, masons, carpet layers and so much more in my network. Most of all, I have friends who have come to accept me and sometimes endear me for and in spite of my eccentricities.

As we breeze into “the most wonderful time of the year” and unavoidably the New Year, I hope you will consider your own network and consider joining mine. I hope you will resolve to rub elbows with people who are greater than you are. I hope you will surround yourself with people who expect more of you and yet always expect the most of themselves. In this amazing, crazy world of lightning speed technology sometimes you just have to take the time to get up, get out and reconnect with humans through handshakes and friendly hugs.

I do, and every day, I’m grateful.

Once in awhile we have to just stop. I know it and yet, it’s so hard to do.

Recently I begrudgingly pulled an old soft blanket off the shelf, popped a bag of popcorn, plugged a movie into the DVD player and gave way to my aching muscles and aging body. I had to take a quick look around to make sure it was true. I was alone. All alone. Better yet, I was all alone with the family television and had complete control of the remote.

• Dishwasher running? Check.
• Fresh load of laundry set? Check.
• Garden watered? Check.
• Lawn mowed? Check.
• Kids accounted for? Check.
• Horses fed? Check.
• Cats/dogs watered and fed? Check.
• Telephone turned off? Check.
• Doors locked? Check.

I pushed “play” on the DVD remote and felt like a child indulging some delightful whim as the movie I’d been dying to see for months began to roll.

I had heard mumblings about “The Secret” for quite some time before I finally took the time to snuggle up in my basement family room to see what the fuss was all about.

Frankly, I expected good information. I did not expect the movie to be life-changing. But, for me, it was. I had heard of the “Law of Attraction” and am a great advocate of “positive thinking” and believe whole-heartedly that we are the “creators of our own destiny.” But never before had I seen all of these beliefs packaged so neatly, so creatively and so completely with such simplicity. I actually found myself laughing and clapping under a blanket on the couch.

• Curtains closed? Check.

You can learn more about, “The Secret” at http://thesecret.tv/. If you are looking for a boost in your confidence, faith restored, personal empowerment — I beseech you — watch this production!

I would love to hear what you have to say. Let’s explore the possibilities together.

If a comment like, “Start Building Your Wealth” makes you snicker, roll your eyes and whisper, “I’d just like to pay my power bill,” then have I got a book for you.

 Most people have experienced financial struggles. Some of us try to thrive in the midst of a perpetual money crisis. Far too many people learn to accept a lifestyle of living in excess or on the edge of financial disaster. You know, that rock in the pit of your stomach could be removed with some planning and self-control.

The pitfalls that befall us are endless and can include, but aren’t limited to:

• Loss of job
• Poor health
• Natural disaster
• Divorce
• Death of a loved one
• Economic downturn affecting your business
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Overspending

The list continues, but you get the point. Financial problems can be heart wrenching and disabling. Money can truly be the root of all evil, especially if there’s not enough of it to go around. How much better would the quality of your life be if you actually had a handle on your finances?

Cedar City’s own Joe J. Melling and Chris M. McCormick have an answer for you in their new book, “Wealth Under Construction: From Debt and Despair to Financial Strength and Peace of Mind.”

This little gem sells online at www.builderbanks.com for $9.99.

This is not your typical instruction manual. Melling and McCormick take the reader through the steps of financial recovery in an interesting and easy-to-understand story about Dr. Facade, who is in financial crisis despite his handsome income, and Builder Banks, who has already been through the painful process of financial recovery.

This book is published by Life Quest, 51 E. 400 North, Building 3, Cedar City, UT 84720. It’s an easy 112 pages long and could be just the push you need to get your life back on track. 

(Left to right, back) Zurl Thornock, Tim Taylor, Ed Palmer and Jim Mulleneaux help cut the ribbon at Intermountain Staffers on Thursday, July 19, 2007 along with (left to right, front) Andrew Springer, Harry Brown, Donna Brown, Ryan Dawson, Christine Goulding, Matias Quintanilla and Terry Keyes.

I’m not sure how the tradition of “cutting the ribbon” got started, but for local businesses like Intermountain Staffing Resources, it’s a great ritual to embrace.

When a new business comes to town — particularly a small business — you have to know the owners and managers have a thousand fears about the success or failure of their entrepreneurial adventure.  Gathering together for a ribbon-cutting is one way to gather support from an established business community and pass it on.  It’s that symbolic gesture of goodwill that can add a shot of confidence and some great recognition to new area businesses.  It can also help you as a business man or woman to be the first to establish important business connections.

Today, July 19, chamber members gathered to welcome Intermountain Staffing Resources.  Ryan Dawson is the branch manager for the business at 583 South Main Street, Suite 4.

It is the business’ purpose to: ” . . . partner with employees, clients and the community to create opportunities for growth and mutual success.”

Some of our most loyal chamber members came out to congratulate Ryan including Harry Brown, Zions Bank; Terry Keyes, Wells Fargo; Zurl Thornock, Allegiance Direct; Christine Goulding and Matias Quintanilla, SOS Staffing; Andrew Springer, American Family Insurance and Jim Mullenaux, Convergys. Tim Taylor, At Home Technology was there and Ryan’s personal friend, Ed Palmer was by his side. Of course the chamber office manager Judy Dunn was there making sure things ran smoothly.

Ryan will no-doubt remember the ribbon-cutting participants for taking time out of their busy days to encourage him in his leadership role.

Hey, thanks! No. Really. I mean it. Your support is important to me.

Utah was represented well at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management in Los Angeles, Calif. last week. Wow! What a great way to network with chambers of commerce throughout the country.

Are you familiar with the Utah State Chamber of Commerce? The organization helps to educate chamber executives, employees and members about issues and events on a state, rather than a local level. We try to pass the information on to you.

The Utah State Chamber holds two conventions per year. This year the fall conference will be held in Ogden, Utah where the state president, David Hardman heads the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce.

The state organization also holds a conference event in Salt Lake City during the legislative session each year.  This is a GREAT way for your chamber executives to keep their fingers on the pulse of state legislation that can impact businesses.

I currently serve as president-elect for the state chamber. Next year I’ll serve as president and we will hold the fall conference in Cedar City. I really want to wow the other chamber members from throughout the state with our beautiful area and fabulous facilities.

Would you like to help plan this event? Speak up now. I really want to hear from you. In addition to planning the educational part of the conference, we will be planning the recreational portion. What do you love to do in Cedar City? I need your help and ideas.

To learn more about the Utah State Chamber of Commerce and about other chambers throughout the state visit http://www.utahstatechamber.org.

Your Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce board members are working hard to keep you connected to other chambers in the state, nation and the world! We’ll do our best to represent you at every level.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Donna M. Brown, Cedar City chamber of Commerce - 435-586-4055
Alan Anderson, ChamberWest (West Valley City, Taylorsville & Kearns) - 801-977-8755
Stephanie Wright, South Jordan Chamber of Commerce - 801-253-5200
Steve Densley, Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce - 801-379-2555
David Hardman, Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce - 801-621-8300
Bill Malone, Park City Chamber of Commerce - 435-649-6100
Lane Beattie, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce - 801-364-3631
Lorraine Gregerson, Richfield Area Chamber of Commerce - 435-896-4241
 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
David Hardman, Chair - January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2008
Donna Brown, Chair Elect - January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2008
Lorraine Gregerson, Past Chair - January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2008
Alan Anderson, Treasurer - January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2008
Craig Peterson, Executive Secretary, at the will of the Board

The Beach Boys might be disappointed to learn we just can’t all be California girls.

I spent the last week in Los Angeles learning at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Managment at Loyola Marymount University. The institute was wonderful, the campus was beautiful, the ocean was mesmerizing and therapeutic. The most beautiful site I witnessed was the “Cedar City Next Three Exits” sign just south of town.

I lingered in L.A. for a day to visit with a friend and to contribute to the tourism industry there. My friend, Susan, having grown up in the Los Angeles area agreed to be my tour guide for the day.

“I want to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame!” I insisted. She begrudgingly agreed and I didn’t understand her hesitation. We whizzed off on a crammed L.A. freeway and eventually made our way into the heart of Hollywood. I would never have admitted it, but I inspected every car on the road carefully for movie stars traveling in cognito.

We arrived on the famous walk sprinkled with concrete stars representing the best of the best of Hollywood. I stared up and down the street in great anticipation and then gingerly stepped out onto the dirty street.

“Is this it?” I asked. Susan laughed.

“Where’s the glitz? Where’s the glimmer? Where are the fancy shops I assumed would surround this — the most hallowed of ground in movie land?”

Susan laughed again.

I’m a good sport so we toured two blocks of names on stars, crossed the street and toured two more. I stayed close to the street to avoid the adult book store, the bars and other questionable establishments that lined the famous Hollywood walk.

This, I thought, was a classic example of Hollywood at its best. It looked so good on television and not so great in real life. I can honestly say I’ve been there now. I can’t honestly say I’ll go back again.

As business owners and advocates, we need to remember it is just as important to deliver the products and services we advertise as it is to advertise them in the first place. Repeat business is the key to success. Think about these ways to increase your repeat traffic:

• Always under promise and over deliver
• Customer service is key
• Frequently ask your customers for a report card by providing comment cards in your place of business (or virtual place of business) or through direct marketing
• First impressions are lasting impressions — if you were a customer entering your business for the first time, what would be your first impression?

I’m sure you have great advice for other business owners. Please share some retention ideas with us by posting a comment.

When CNN Money honored Cedar City for having one of the fastest commutes in the country, I laughed.

Today I’m in Los Angeles, Calif. for intensive training at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management and — I’m not laughing anymore.

There’s something to be said for the simple life in Cedar City, Utah. I arrived here on Friday after slurping my way through a big, fresh bowl of freeway spaghetti. When I finally pulled into the parking lot of the Raddisson, I patted my hands on my shoulders, my head and sighed. I really had made it alive.

I drove to L.A. instead of flying for a variety of reasons. The least of which is not the fact that I was craving five hours alone to ponder the meaning of life and the miracle of a 125 degree afternoon in Bakersfield, Calif. The alone time was wonderful, the heat even felt great and it helped me to appreciate Utah’s splendor, Cedar City’s climate and Jiffy Lube for making sure my car was road ready.

It’s critical that people in management positions take time out for training. Training comes in many different forms and in the right setting affords you the opportunity to:

• Learn about new tools and trends in your trade
• Meet other people who share your line of work and can discuss specific work-related issues with you with a deeper level of understanding
• Give your brain a rest from the day-to-day grind and relieve stress that can ultimately lead to serious burnout
• Plant new ideas in your mind that will benefit your company or organization and inspire you to climb higher to reach your company or community goals
• Help you to create a network of advocates in the region, state and even nation depending on the scope and location of your training
• Create a knowledge base that you can share with your employees, clients, customers or members

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers the Institue for Organizational Management four times per year in different locations throughout the country for executives of organizations and associations. Institute is a four-year program that allows participants to earn a diploma in a very specific field of study.

During a full week of study I have learned and will learn:

• about hiring and managing employees and volunteers
• how to negotiate with different types of individuals in many different situations
• how to improve my memory and therefore improve productivity and my professional image
• how to add value to our chamber of commerce in order to retain valuable members and attract new members
• how to help keep chambers of commerce strong for the future
• how to project professionalism
• how to keep my organization financially fit
• how to govern
• how to massage the media (whatever that means, I’ll let you know)

If you haven’t brushed up on your managment skills for awhile, look for and enroll in a training program. Southwest Applied Technology College hosts a wonderful program called Custom Fit that will actually help pay for up to half of the cost of your training.

If you’re looking for training opportunities in a certain trade or profession or simply looking for skills training, leave a comment for me and I’ll help you find one.

Please be sure to indicate in your comment how much time you want to invest, whether or not you have a training budget and whether or not travel is included in your training budget.

There are many organizations that offer free training programs and others at ridiculously low costs. Many organizations and associations will actually help pay for your training through grants and scholarships. For example, I was able to secure a grant from the Utah State Chamber of Commerce for the entire cost of tuition because the organization administration is sold on the value this training adds to chambers of commerce throughout the state.

If your company hasn’t budgeted for training and/or travel, let’s talk about some ways you can negotiate this critical opportunity.

Want to learn more about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Institute for Organizational Management? Visit http://www.uschamber.com/institute/default today!

Want to learn more about the Custom Fit program near you? Visit http://www.swatc.org/programs/cfit/.

Want some guidance on getting specific training or scholarships and grants? Post your comments here.

You’re always welcome to ask questions that are or are not related to the days topics and I’ll be glad to try to answer them.

Bon voyage!

Donna

Welcome to the Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce’s new “blog” feature.

The truth is, writing is my true passion and I believe this blog will give all of us an opportunity to convey ideas, share information and just “vent” if that’s what we need to do.  Some of this blog will be very serious.  Some of my posts will be remarkably silly.  Still other entries will be professionally personal.

I’ll be the “blogger” and the rest of you will be the “blogees.”  I can’t wait to get your feedback and to begin to develop closer relationships in the Cedar City area corporate community.

 This week I am on my way to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organizational Management — 2007 West Institute — at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Calif. for a full week of great instruction.  I plan to come back with fabulous ideas about creating a better organization and ideas to improve your membership value.

 Okay.  I confess.  I will most certainly stop by the ocean and search for a star fish.  Watch for news about 2007 West Institute right here!