So the biggest thing I get from being the President of the Lake County Chamber is being able to hear lots of opinions. I don’t know if this makes me any smarter, but it certainly does help me understand what a large segment of the population is thinking.
Jack Buell, of Sutter Health, this year’s Chamber Vice President, said the other day, (I was told and I’m paraphrasing) the thing he thinks he’s getting out of examining how the Chamber can help influence the future of our community/what’s different about the conversation now, is that it is something he needs to do — not something someone else needs to do.
I share with as many people as will listen, that I had always had a sense that Lake County is so much more than folks over the hill know, but we suffer from a bad rap. Some of it deserved and some of it certainly not.
I get it. As citizens, we each have a role to play. Each role is different. Each role is important. Some roles only require thinking good thoughts. Maybe others following the conversation in the public square. Others passing along the good word. Others still, maybe exchanging input on Facebook or doing a good deed. Whatever works for you is the best role for you.
I think collectively we each can take moment, right now, today, and ask ourselves, not how to move our economy forward or if it can be, or who we can hire to shift public perception, but WHAT do we really want here in Lake County? What do we want to be known for? Once we’re clear on that — how to get there, I think will be a lot easier.
Whether we’re retired, active or not in the community, working here or over the hill, in high school or college, if we live here, it is up to each of us. The future depends on it. It is our legacy to leave. That’s the difference. Not waiting for someone else to define it for us. You are the difference.
Spread the word. Ask yourself and others, what do you want our region to be known for? Email me at tedmandones@gmail.com. Start a conversation on Facebook or join the Chamber’s https://www.facebook.com/lakecochamber. Looking forward to hearing and reading your thoughts.
Ted Mandrones is president of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce
