Linda Hake, Gunster, P.A.
In 1989, I left the Martin County Attorney’s Office to
open my own legal practice. The minute I opened my doors for business, I
joined a chamber of commerce to meet business people. It was a
rewarding experience to know others like me who were trying to market
their services, overcome obstacles to success, and join with those who
had a mutual interest in seeing our local business community prosper.
I immediately met many people I had never known, even after spending six years in our small community. I got more involved by joining the Local Government Affairs Committee and met more people. The next thing I knew, I was on the Board of Directors. I met more people. More importantly, I formed relationships with the people I met. This is how I met my bankers, my accountant, the builder who built my house, my landscaper, the person who did all the flooring in my house, my dry cleaner and owners of retail businesses and restaurants I would frequent. I met the professionals in my business who I would refer work to. This is also how people got to know me, and started coming to me for their legal work or referring companies that could use my services.
Without even knowing it, this is how I met many of my friends, the people that are still my friends 20 years later, whose lives I have shared, whose families I have watched grow, who I continue to do business with, and who have made this community a home for me and my family.
When we think about the value that belonging to the Palm City Chamber brings us, we immediately think of networking, getting our names out, letting people know what we do, where we do it, and what’s special about our business. We think about the opportunities we have to make group presentations, join in informative discussions, and seek support for local, state and federal issues that affect our ability to conduct business. The Palm City Chamber has proved to be very effective in providing those opportunites, and has prospered itself because of it. In a tough economic climate, the Chamber is counting its blessings for its loyal membership and the success of community events. Membership for this past year is up 6% over last year, and Fall Fest revenues increased 56% over it’s inaugural year. Other events like the breakfasts, luncheons, annual dinner dance, and golf tournament also showed increases. The Adopt-A-Class program continues to be a resounding success, producing more than $46,000 in contributions for class sponsorships this year. All of this reflects the value that members find in belonging to the Palm City Chamber and participating in its projects and events.
As with any other endeavor worth pursuing, what you get out of your Chamber membership is directly related to what you put into it. As Michelle Dutro was fond of saying, "It’s like joining a gym. If you join and don’t go, you’re not going to lose the weight.” Put in the effort and you will find it very rewarding. On that note, I would like to thank three members who have put in a great deal of effort for the Chamber: Jamie Chapogas, Jeff Bowers and Diane Kirkland, who rotated off our Board of Directors at the end of 2010. They were involved in so many efforts and it was inspiring to work with them. Thanks to all of you for your service. I would also like to welcome Kevin Sargent, Mike Searle and John Campion to the Board this year. You have some big shoes to fill and I know that you are all up for the task.
I look forward to working with all of the Board and Chamber members as we rack up a few more successes this coming year. Remember, it’s not just the little, or most obvious, benefits we notice that make Chamber membership worthwhile, it’s the quiet growth that is taking place every day in us, and in our relationships. It is this growth, that forms our businesses, that turns us into leaders and full fledged community members, that creates the real value of the Palm City Chamber.
Sincerely,
Linda Hake, President
Palm City Chamber of Commerce
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