Be inspired to be kind.
“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
Our “inspire” campaign started as a call for community, progress, and connection. We know that if we collaborate, with a common goal, working in the same direction, that we can make a difference.
For the Chamber of Commerce, our goal is to improve our quality of life and business climate, so individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations can have better resources accessible to them. We are building new partnerships with new and existing relationships. Our network is growing and everyone can benefit from our combined efforts.
Progress can be uncomfortable. New ideas bring uncertainty, and change often creates questions or concerns. But change is inevitable, whether we choose to help shape it or simply allow it to happen around us.
During a city council meeting, Councilwoman Barri Allen asked a question about our intentions regarding the new location for Balloon Fest. We greatly appreciate the question. She asked if it would put the city or its citizens at greater risk; would it hurt the community? Our answer was simply, “No, of course not.”
Rather than allowing uncertainty to stop the progress, city leaders took the time to evaluate the risks, planning, and reasoning involved in moving one of our region’s largest events to a more public space. They asked questions, considered the potential outcomes, and completed their due diligence. That is what responsible leadership looks like.
INSPIRE KINDNESS
We need leaders who are passionate about progress and their role in making it happen. We also need leaders who are compassionate enough to help others and treat others with respect.
It is very easy to see who is kind and respectful. These are the leaders we build partnerships with, because the opportunity is open. Even if they do not completely agree, they will still be helpful.
Unfortunately, social media often rewards a different kind of response. A response that searches for problems, assumes the worst, or focuses more on proving someone wrong than finding a way forward. Even well-intentioned criticism can lose its value when it becomes personal or needlessly aggressive.
Criticism should contribute something. It should help move the conversation toward a solution. When comments are made only to provoke or attack someone’s character, they no longer serve the greater community.
Progress is improvement. This takes innovation and creative thinking. Being kind, constructive, and respectful opens more opportunities compared to negativity and aggression.
“Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.” - George Bernard Shaw
RISK AND REWARD AND CONSEQUENCE
Most things change because there is a discovery of a barrier or hurdle. We’re walking along a path and there’s a boulder in front of us. Do we shift course? Do we climb it? Do we dismantle the obstruction?
Inaction has risks, also. If we do nothing and the obstacle isn’t moving on its own, then progress is truly stopped. Most of the time, the obstacle is actually bigger as we get closer to it, and it may even grow if we don’t address it in a timely manner.
The three steps to decision making…
Discovery. What is the problem? How big is it? What are the risks?
Discussion. What are the paths we can take to overcome the problem? What are the rewards? Are there long-term consequences?
Decision. Based on the knowledge we have, what is the best solution?
Input is taken from observances, past experience, outside sources, and knowledgeable leaders. Decisions are made to reduce risk, understand consequences, and maximize rewards.
In the matter of moving Balloon Fest, it was our intention to benefit the entire community with the decision - and it worked! Free admission allowed large families to attend, come and go as they please, and attract new people to our community. The new location is more accessible and visible, and it is closer to our retailers and restaurants who benefitted directly from visitors to our community.
The long-term goal all along was sustainability, which happens by reducing variables in expenses, income, and resources. The future benefits of Balloon Fest are from the increased traffic to a more centralized location which opens opportunities to invite visitors back for another visit to our restaurants, attractions, and events. Also, the move to Fairview Park highlighted more amenities Centralia has to offer.
INSPIRE COMMUNITY
We are the Chamber of Commerce. Our members serve the community, employ its citizens, and actively invest in progress. We have a common goal and common values. We may disagree, but we treat each other with respect and kindness.
Membership is open to businesses or individuals who understand that we all benefit from improved partnerships. Even if it isn’t an active role, supporting our mission does benefit our members and our community.
“A community is a group of people who share a common location, interest, identity, or set of values and interact with one another.” - Merriam Webster Dictionary