The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber Of Commerce held its annual dinner in May and we were fortunate to have Kevin Hancock, President & CEO of Hancock Lumber as the Keynote Speaker.

Kevin delivered a strong and uplifting message on a day that saw Maine devastated with the announcement of most of our military facilities being recommended for closure in the near future. Kevin spoke of ensuring our children get a good education. He challenged all businesses to positively manage our abundant resources. He also suggested working to prepare the owners and workers who will one day replace us.

These are all important items. Kevin cited many positive benefits to being a Lakes Region Business. I was struck by his statement that businesses should get involved in their communities.

I believe that all people should become involved in their community. It can happen in any number of ways. In researching the effects and benefits of a business becoming an active community partner, I found many chances for your business to get involved. One is to realize there are established community groups to join and one certainly would meet your need or interest level. Groups exist that are created to support professional and trade networks -these organizations often pick projects to better the community. There are civic groups like the Rotary and Lions Club, groups established with a mission to positively impact the community. Business Associations like a Chamber Of Commerce provide opportunities to work together in large numbers. Networking Groups such as BNI (Business Networks International) bring different types of businesses together and perhaps more unique opportunities to give back. You might find your connection with a neighborhood association or church as well.

Okay, there are obviously many groups currently out there seeking your assistance, given the old saying “time is money” how will this help my business in its community standing? To start, being involved is good publicity. Rubbing elbows with others will allow you to meet new people and ultimately share who you are. Your community mindedness will be noticed. In the same vein, you will create goodwill. People will remember your efforts and be there for you in the future. In my Chamber work, I get to be very visible. People may not know me at town meetings but they know our Chamber is working with schools, churches, etc. Thus, they support GBLRCC. Your volunteer time creates teambuilding/teamwork and morale building for you and your staff. You get to use current skills or perhaps learn new ones. Time away doing something aside from your normal grind is refreshing and rejuvenating. You will feel good.

Those are each valuable areas for you to consider but there are even more. Getting involved will give you influence and credibility in the community. You reap the benefit of contributing to a healthy community. Remember that this healthy community is where you, your employees and your family all live. As you grow in your volunteering, you will know more about the community; good information for your business. Continued support and volunteer time will allow you to exhibit the leadership skills you already have and more community members will see it. Finally, I would suggest to you that in your work you interact with banks, business partners and potential business partners. Your community-minded spirit says a lot about who you are and each of these entities, who may have influence on you, will like that you are involved. The involvement suggests you are stable.

In summing up this topic, I close with more benefits as you become involved with your community. Did you know surveys show that people would rather shop with someone they know? All things being equal, they will shop at a business that supports their choice of charity. It also can be said that business is all about relationships, volunteering is a way to build new ones. Your work is good advertising plus the people you come to know will become referral sources for you. Getting involved in your community shows you care and are not just out to make money. Finally, it appears through my reading that communities are a changing group. Helping in them will continually expose you to new people. Is that time commitment a worry to you? Consider this time part of your work hours.

Remember there is a role waiting for you and your business. I have always enjoyed my community work. School and select board terms, coaching, being in the classroom or helping at a church clean up day all have impacted my life and career. If you are involved, and I know many of you are, thanks for all you do and that good work. If not currently helping, I hope this short piece will make you think about the opportunities before you.

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