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The Chamber Mixers
Sandy Dickson

If you missed the Chamber’s Spring Mixer event held at a Rolling Hills campus generous party room, you missed a great time. Since it was it all about spring, it was a baseball theme, and any who could don any baseball attire by owning or borrowing, did so, but of course all were welcome: baseball attire or not.

In typical Diana Gornick fashion, it was an event filled with high energy, fun, games and enthusiasm. Hot dogs, chips and popcorn were served up as the typical ballpark fare, but there was much more, including a tempting and memorable sweet table. Games with prizes and a free raffle with wonderful baskets of goodies as door prizes sweetened the event even more.

Not only that, but there is always something to be learned at the events. Over the course of the year, there are meetings where new business strategies are presented: citywide programs to encourage and promote community businesses, bring in new customers and encourage long standing ones from which any business could benefit. This is a huge advantage to miss out on by failure to attend. Delaine Rogers filled us in with some details about an exciting new business promotion to draw in customers from the ever-expanding visitor and summer-crowd base as well as some new residents expected with upcoming locale projects.

But the best part to me was and always is, the opportunity to mix and mingle with the great folks who come to these events. I think it’s always good to meet and visit with  people and what a wonderful chance to do so in the casual atmosphere when people let their hair down and be who they really are away from the business atmosphere of their day.

What always amazes me though, is that, while these events are well-attended and everyone has so much fun, there are always people who knew about them and opt not to be bothered to attend, even though they occur during times that don’t conflict with most businesses. What does one have to gain by staying at home when they could be out making friends? Who, by choice, would miss a chance to fellowship with nice people and have a great time; fraternize and get to know other really nice people in the community?  Not only that, but this is a brotherhood of most who are fellow business owners and comrades with whom one can laugh, share triumphs or even laments if so desired, and be among those who can relate and understand. Sadly, there were still Chamber members who were not present. But why? I don’t get it. I know there is a cost to be a member, so this means the non-attendee members aren’t taking advantage of those things to which they are entitled and privileged to enjoy.

You who don’t attend these functions are really missing out on better knowing and enjoying some great people. I’m so glad I attend, and I’m not even a member of the Chamber. I don’t have a business, but I love the chance to be social and get to know nice people! I’m happy to say, I know lots more people now because of these events. But there are always more people to meet and get to know and I think the more people we know, the richer our lives become. So no matter what the motive, be it for networking, improving business opportunities, learning valuable information or just personal enrichments or having a bite of something good to eat, will we see you at the next Chamber event?

Copyright © 2008 Sandy Dickson. All rights reserved.