Letter from the President
“Empowerment is the best way to make a lasting difference”.

This phrase was on a box that I happened to pick up. (Keep your eyes and mind open and you’ll find a little treasure waiting to be discovered.) Inside this box was a mug, imposed on the mug was an abstract figure of a woman whose dress was designed in food. There was a statement to the side of the figure, “Moving Africa forward”. I was left thinking... that says it all, and with the purchase of this mug a contribution was made to this foundation to empower Africa to move forward thus making a lasting difference. Needless to say, I was impressed and inspired.

“Empowerment”, is a positive term, which means to give power, and combined with, “To make a lasting difference”...my gut says, I’d like to be apart of that, in some way I’d like to be a contribution.

Can you imagine what this Upper Valley Region would look like if people empowered each other? If we could be ‘cheerleaders’ for others’ dreams and visions, we could in some way contribute to them, and really get behind what they are up to...IT WOULD MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE. Take it on... how could you empower others around you? You may ask... why would you want to empower others around you? Because it makes a difference not only for them, but for YOU.

At the Chamber, that’s one of our valuable, yet intangible benefits we offer our membership and the communities which we serve. We say, “How can we work together,” identifying your needs, getting a plan in place thus empowering you to achieve results. So when I’m asked, “What will the Chamber do for me”, my response is, “What can we do together”. If we all work together, the burden is lighter, the results are better and achieved with velocity. By empowering others to realize their vision, everyone benefits.

Consider ... getting behind the vision ... Moving Northeastern PA forward...making a lasting difference. Let’s be partners and do it together.

On another note...if you have not yet stopped into the Chamber to see the beautiful and stately General Jerome O’Malley Honor Room, please do, we are open 9am-4pm daily. What an amazing human being!!!!

Enjoy your summer!
Cindy