January 2008 Chairman's Message
by Jim Firmin, Chairman, Chamber Board of DirectorsJames E. Hunton said, "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." As your incoming Chamber Chairman, I have personally witnessed an enormous amount of progress in Laurens County. One of the sure things in life is change. Those who accept that change, and perhaps who are agents of change will not only succeed, they will prosper.
While my career has been in the automotive business, perhaps some of my most rewarding work has taken place as a volunteer with several non-profits. Recently, I worked with the Tourism Committee of the Chamber and worked with some of the most talented and creative minds our region has produced.
My hope is to bring a perspective to this office that will benefit our membership over the course of the year. Certainly, I have learned from the experiences of working with outstanding business and community leaders throughout our region. Perhaps the single most important issue I would like to see us focus on is collaboration. Simply stated… I BELIEVE IN TEAMWORK! And we have a great team working for our business base in Laurens County!
Many of you at our events have heard me speak of the three-legged stool. We have an outstanding Chamber of Commerce, a very effective Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and a wonderfully productive Economic Development Corporation. Each has the resources to be a force in economic growth on its own. However, much more can be achieved by working together. Each leg of business development supports the weight of our job creation, business growth, and economic prosperity.
Just as our Downtown and Tourism associations should partner together where possible, we should continue to look to our neighboring Chambers of Commerce and collaborate to create greater benefits and exposure for our collective memberships.
As your new chairman, I encourage you to get involved in your community and in your Chamber today!
This year, your Chamber will recognize its 30th anniversary and I am proud to be a part of this fine organization. I look forward to working with you and SERVING you in 2008!
May your family have a safe and prosperous New Year!
Jim Firmin
2008 Chairman
Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
