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To me, and I imagine many others, the concept of value is critical when making a decision to buy a product or service, or even when considering joining an organization. I have found that it can be a challenge for organizations to effectively present the value in the service or product they are offering in our digital age. This becomes more evident when you see one of our Nation’s largest brands liquidate and go out of business, or a once prominent organization struggle to find its place in a modern community. There are some real questions I think people (and businesses) need to ask as our society continues to change at a dramatic rate. Is there real value in investing in, and being an active member of the community that you serve? Is there real value in building lasting relationships, and being a part of a mission that is bigger than your own personal world? Because we have always done it this way, can we continue to be successful going down the same path?

I believe there are clear answers to these questions. The most prominent answer is in the value of being engaged and community minded! In this new age, a business must be ahead of the pack and continually adapt to the needs and desires of its community. There’s no better way to have a successful and thriving business or organization but to be an active part of the community and to have a passion and desire to serve. We are better when we are all in it together. For that reason, I am a millennial who strongly believes in the power and value of the chamber of commerce industry. The concept of the chamber is deeply woven in the fabric of our nation. And just like every other industry, the chamber must adapt to our times and enhance our strategy to add more value for our members and the community. And that is what we are doing on a daily basis by working with our friends and partners who are making it happen in Downriver. The heart of the chamber is all about the community, and those who live, work and play in our region.

I recently had the honor and privilege of meeting a great Downriver resident who shared with me his dream of building his own business as an electrician, he hopes one day soon. Although the dream is crystal clear in his heart, he needed assistance finding the resources to make his dream a reality. I was so thrilled to share with him that the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, through our brand new SCORE mentorship program, can help him to register his business, to write his business plan, marketing plan, and determine sound financial strategies. The chamber will continue to provide support and significant programs to help him succeed throughout his entire career.

That leads me to this. I want to take a moment to thank the businesses in our community, both large and small, who believe in the value and the mission of the chamber. It’s because of you and your dedication to our community, that we can invest into our dreamers and make our region thrive. It’s because of your belief in the value of the chamber of commerce that we can make a Downriver dream a reality. The SWCRC is here to serve our region and to make it happen. That is what we are all about. I’d say there’s real tangible value in that.

Ronald J. Hinrichs

President