Last week we announced the chamber’s updated vision of the role it will play in shaping Lake County’s future. We had spent the better part of the last two years gathering input from member-driven planning sessions, volunteers, members and residents from around the lake. We asked specifically, what is the gap here in Lake County? And what can we do about it? Some of the answers may surprise you, but one thing was certain, there were thousands of ideas in hundreds of different directions. At first the idea of using all that input seemed daunting. Then a pattern emerged. All input basically fit into a few key categories. As a chamber, we then had to ask ourselves, given all of this incredible input, how do we align everyone’s input with serving members and the community better? That’s when it struck — like a lightening bolt — its all about the “next generation.” Next generation economy. Next generation jobs. Next generation leadership. Next generation business. Next generation living in Lake County.
How the chamber is deciding to put its resources to work most effectively is by uniting the region in a bigger conversation and leading by example. That conversation is about how to connect by generation. It has become more clear to us through recent feedback, that handing off the leadership baton to the next generation is a sound decision. AND the sooner the better.
There are thousands of really talented folks living here in Lake County, of all generations. If we make what we’re doing attractive to all generations, not just one, we can’t help but be more successful.
I’ve recently heard from Christian Ahlmann, (VP and Vineyard Manager at Six Sigma Winery, who happens to be under 40 years old) an active member of the chamber. He also sits on our Board. He says what we need is a “big hairy audacious goal. Something bigger, more fun, more expansive, that everyone can get behind.” Christian is a breath of fresh air. He really adds to our internal discussions at the chamber. He states that “becoming a thriving, beautiful, profitable destination for guests and locals powered by agriculture and tourism” could be such a goal.
As we work together to refine our “big hairy audacious goal,” as Christian puts it, you are welcome to weigh in. Is this a goal you can support? Do you think this goal could lead to more and better paying jobs and a more prosperous economy here in Lake County? If not, why not? Join the conversation on Facebook or email me directly tedmandrones@gmail.com.
Ted Mandrones is President of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce
