In the mid 1980’s, I heard a “futurist” by the name of Leland Kiser give a presentation about change. To paraphrase, he said, “the pace of change will never be as slow as it is today.” I thought that to be a very bold comment but since that time, I’ve been astonished to realize he was right then and still right today.

Things change. Times change.

This past year has certainly shown us that, not only for our nation but for our county as well. Some of the changes we have witnessed have been unpleasant reminders that we can not control everything in our lives. Other changes have given us hope that we can respond to and overcome the challenges that face us.

Even your business advocate, the Cleveland County Chamber, has undergone change. Like any other business in the county, “our” business has, and continues to face challenges. We have responded and overcome many of these; some have been common ones we have all faced and others have been unique to our operations.

What we have “relearned” this past year is something that many of you have known for a long time: the building blocks of a successful enterprise start with the basic fundamentals of good business. When times are tough, we need to utilize with what we know best. So, if we have a theme to our Plan of Action for 2009, it is “Back to Basics.”

We know that each of our members has needs specific to its business. We recognize that there is no way that a nine person operation can be all things to all members. But what we also know is that a community thrives on the basis of overall success that spreads across not just businesses, but also its educational system, its social services and the general health and welfare of its citizenry. They are all linked and we all win when we can create a climate where business succeeds.

To do that, it takes all of us. Not just the staff or the many who volunteer time and expertise to the Chamber in a variety of ways. It takes each member supporting a global work plan that will benefit all in the long run.

Change is constant. With the help and support of the membership, we know we’ll be able to survive and thrive in the face of it.

Mark Alan Hudson, FACHE

2009 Board Chairman