Gifts

Dear Friends ,   What Are Your Gifts? While reading a message this morning, I was reminded that we are all outfitted with a unique set of gifts. Hands-on skills, personality traits, physical attributes, intellectual talents or just plain, raw, unabashed know-how. We are all good at something(s). But more importantly, these gifts are not for us alone. In order for us to truly recognize the beauty of our gifts, we must give them away.

Connections  Last week I shared that "A Chamber of Commerce is made up of members. We are a collection of individuals working together for the betterment of all." So to take that a step further, as a community we depend on one another and the unique gifts we each bring to the bigger picture. The Chamber gets calls every day - looking for people with a unique set of skills that they call on to help them in their situation. Members Helping Members (Reprise) Maybe your gift is education or legislation. Maybe you are good at finances, construction, plumbing, crafts, medicine. Maybe you are a farmer, chef, public servant, fitness expert. Maybe you are a hospitality specialist, florist, dentist, candlestick maker. Or as my mom would say, maybe you are the chief bottle washer. You have a special gift. Reach out and share it with someone. A Chamber is members willing to give of their gifts. First mixer this Thursday at People's Trust on Kingman Street. Come on out and let your gifts shine! Did You Know? The Dam Store on the Georgia/Milton line is under new management and offering up an awesome deli menu. If your travels take you that way, stop in and say hi to Rob. And yes, I know, Clemson came in second in the NCAA Football Championship. I'm OK!

Please make a Chamber membership part of your success strategy. Join or Renew Today. And, thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick

Members Helping Members

Happy New Year!

Dear Friend ,   What Can We Do for Others? 2016 is a year of giving. How can we do more for those around us? How can we help our neighbor? How can we help the businesses in our town? How can we make a difference? Franklin County is moving in a prosperous direction. Our towns are growing in civic pride and people are taking notice. Now it is time to make sure we take care of each other.

Member to Member Services  A Chamber of Commerce is made up of members. We are a collection of individuals working together for the betterment of all. Each member contributing to the growth of the whole. Members helping members. For 2016, we are expanding the Chamber offerings by enhancing our Member Information Center. The Member Information Center (MIC) is an electronic clearing house of sorts, a Chamber oriented help center. Each member has their own secure access to the MIC and can promote their services, start conversations, post jobs, announce events and share member to member discounts. Of course, the world is already filled with numerous places that do these things so why do we need another one?   Members Helping Members The MIC is the one place where you know everybody and you all share a common purpose - to promote commerce, tourism and culture in Franklin County and beyond. You are surrounded by your peers. It is a unique place where you know everything contained in it is for the good of your neighborhood. Check it out. If you have received your 2016 renewal letter, you will see that it included MIC credentials. If not, head over to the Chamber Website and you can create your own credentials. Having trouble - give us a call. In the mean time, I'd encourage everyone to think of one Member to Member discount or service you could promote to get the 2016 ball rolling. Did You Know? At 8:30 tonight the Clemson University Tigers and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide will be playing for the NCAA College Football National Championship. All of my money and three of my children have attended Clemson University. Go Tigers!!!

Please make a Chamber membership part of your success strategy. Join or Renew Today. And, thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick