January 2016

Although you approved the draft copy a month before, it really hits home when you see your picture in the 2016 Business Plan as the Chairman of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors. Your term begins on January 1, but the world knows on January 26 that your term officially begins. Game on…it’s the annual luncheon and 250+ of your closest friends and colleagues are there to hear what you have to say. 

When you’re sitting at the head table anxiously awaiting your chance to say what you have to say, your palms get a little clammy, your throat starts drying up, and your sweat glands are on overdrive.
The preparation for this moment began one year ago as you were announced to this same crowd as the Chair-Elect. You’ve had strategic planning sessions and countless meetings to prepare for this moment, but it’s the brain storming night after night that’s maddening. 

What am I going to say? Nobody likes to be preached to, so check that speech off the list. Most people do not want a sales pitch or be sold to, so scratch that idea.  Being a jokester or performing a comedy act is dangerous in this day and time as so many people are easily offended.  So, I said it again to myself no one likes to be sold but people love a story. A good story with a lesson learned, so that was my approach. A story. My Chamber Story. It wasn’t my best performance but it certainly was not my worse either. It was heartfelt and resonated with the crowd. Mission accomplished. Here is a pictorial history of January 2016.

The year began with a trip to Disney World

Jan. 19 Economic Forecast Breakfast with Rob Garcia (CEO-Bank of North Georgia) & Richard Oden (Chairman of the Board of Commissioners-Rockdale County)



Jan. 26 Conyers-Rocdkdale Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Deborah Armstrong (CEO-Rockdale Medical Center) passing the gavel to ME!

Jan. 27 Atlanta Regional Commission Meeting (ARC) Rickdale County presented the award of Certified Green Community with Jackie Lunsford and Richard Oden

Jan. 27 First Ribbon cutting of the year

Jan. 28 Second Ribbon Cutting of the year.