Invest In Our Youth, Part 2

Dear Friend, "Our Youth are Our Biggest Investment"  My father used these words of encouragement when he was being inducted into the NY State Telephone Association Hall of Fame. He could have focused on his personal achievements or thanked those who helped him rise to the top, but instead, he focused on the future - the next generation of telephone industry greats. I have never forgotten that moment when he made it very clear that if we want greatness in the future, we have to turn to the youth of today.

Why Internships? Back in June I wrote: "Each time a student gets an opportunity to experience work in a business close to home, the more likely that student is to staying in that job and setting up house in that town. Each time a student gets a feeling of belonging, they will consider that a tremendous pull to set up in that area. We all like to feel wanted and welcomed. If we don't create the internship opportunities in Franklin County then we are to blame if our homegrown move on to greener pastures."   How Do We Make it Happen? While we might not have all the answers today, there is a movement afoot to mobilize local businesses in a way that will attract more talent to the area. This coming Thursday, July 31st at 3:30 in the St. Albans Free Library, Kathy Lavoie and Roxanne Vought will be leading an open discussion on how we can bring quality internship opportunities to Franklin County. Plan to be there. Click Here to Register.   The Light Bulb  I know that Kathy struggled for a bit trying to find the right message to bring to this seminar. The more she thought on it the more she was convinced that what people wanted to hear was not what they had already heard time and time again. Instead, she was convinced that what people wanted was an open dialogue with focus on the "hows" and the tools that one would need to make this all work. I am confident that she is on the right track.   Big Smiles In June I also mentioned that smiles were a good indicator of the success of bringing our youth back to Franklin County. Join us this Friday as we explore new ways to bring more smiles to Franklin County. And as my father was also fond of saying; "Kids - something to smile about." See you there - seats are limited and filling fast.

Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick