Power for change is truly in our hands

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

Margaret Wheatley said that; I believe she knows what she’s talking about. I had the great pleasure of witnessing exactly that as a group of folks who don’t know each other well, who come from all walks of life and life experiences, who have different ideas about politics and world events, but share the same thought about leadership: When it’s good, it’s great.

Great leaders inspire, energize, empathize, organize, optimize and prioritize. They also make mistakes—and learn from them. They make commitments—and stick to them. They make a difference—and it’s never all about them.

Being part of a team with a common goal that’s bigger than any one individual member is an invigorating experience. Throughout my lifetime, which is blessedly getting somewhat long—I’ve had the great pleasure of being part of a few of them. This year’s Imlay City Chamber of Commerce Summer Fest Committee is one. Following a sudden change in leadership, this team coalesced almost out of thin air through the inspiration of a passionate leader to do what’s right for the community and the Chamber. Creekside Cleaning Solutions leading lady and Chamber President Sheryl Davis made it all happen—though she’s not after public accolades or the spotlight. Sheryl’s a woman with the Chamber’s best interests at heart.

As a business owner and Imlay City Chamber member for the past seven years—and an employee of this newspaper for 25+ years, I’ve seen a lot of Chamber leaders come and go. Taken tons of photos of festival committees and of the festival activities and crowds, and for the first time in the last seven years feel energized that we’re on the right track when it comes to discovering what the community cares about.

People went out of their way to lend a hand this year to put the community ahead of personality debates; to represent the best that the Chamber can be instead of whining about what is lacking.

Comments from festival-goers were the most positive I’ve heard since the 37-year-old Blueberry Fest was renamed and revamped. We’re all encouraged that we’re on the right track when it comes to creating a special summertime event that people look forward to and make plans to attend. Those vibes are in the air, and the commitment to keep it going is strong.

As another great lady—Dolly Parton—once said “Storms make trees take deeper roots,” and I see that this is true.

I welcome you to plant your seeds now. Let us know what you’d like to see from your Chamber. There truly is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.

Email Catherine at tct@pageone-inc.com