Laurens County Chamber

April 2008 Chairman's Message

by Jim Firmin, Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors

In reviewing topics for this month’s newsletter, I thought I would share an article I read recently by Christopher Knight which illustrates the importance of teamwork. Perhaps you have heard the story, but it is worth repeating. It describes both scientific data and common sense approaches to the flight patterns of Geese. Have you ever wondered why they always seem to fly in a "V" formation? Here is each data bite along with a Chamber translation:

  • As each goose flaps its wings it creates "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds 72% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. Your Chamber is comprised of people who share a common direction and sense of community. We can all get where we are going quicker and easier because we are traveling on the thrust of each other. Get in the pattern and fly with us!


  • When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. If we have as much unity as geese, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We will trust in the leadership of the organization and provide positive feedback and encouragement. We are willing to accept (and perhaps most important) give help to others.


  • When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position. It pays to take turns, sharing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. Let’s not burn-out our leaders and take on responsibilities and tasks to make our organization the best it can be! As Vince Lombardi once said about teamwork: "An individual commitment to a group effort- that is what makes a team work, a company work, and a society work."


  • The geese fly in formation and "honk" to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. As members of The Chamber, we need to make sure our honking is encouraged. In organizations where there is encouragement, the production is greater. Please give us your feedback; tell us how we are doing!


  • When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock. If we have as much unity as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times. Let’s all join together to promote and celebrate each other’s success.
In closing, on Friday, April 4, please join us for The State of Laurens County Luncheon to be held at First Baptist Church in Laurens. If you have not already made reservations, I encourage you to do so. This venue will provide Laurens County citizens a forum to discuss issues that are important to all of us. There will be reports from several Mayors, the Chairman of County Council, Members of the South Carolina House of Representatives and our State Senator.

Additionally, if you have a question and would like the Chamber to present the question on your behalf, please call Rob Clapper. This will be an excellent opportunity for Laurens County to come together as a TEAM and I encourage your participation and I look forward to seeing you at this annual event!

Your Chamber is working diligently to help Laurens County to prosper and grow… please get involved!

Jim Firmin
2008 Chairman
Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors