Since the Greater Dufur Area Chamber was reformed a couple of years ago, I jumped at the chance to be involved. I love the idea of a group of people with common interests brainstorming, serving, coming together, and getting things done. “Two heads are better than one” is a phrase I strongly believe in. It was off to a bit of a rocky start because I, Samantha, was at the helm! While I really appreciate the compliment by my fellow officers and those who nominated me, my inexperience slowed us down. I am used to being a one man band! Working and leading intelligent, business, and community minded adults is/was fun and a challenge. I’m still on the board and just as active but also learning from others with experience. Together experience, enthusiasm, and energy can accomplish a lot!
I love the ‘smallness’ of the town. Dufur residents are extremely community minded. Support for sporting events is amazing! During games, I think most of the town shows up to cheer. It’s really great. An advantage of working with a small town and smaller groups of people is that you find people to be very passionate and outspoken about their home. I know, I know, don’t get too worked up about that statement! I’m not dis-ing bigger places, other people from other towns are passionate about their community too!! I suppose the difference here is that it’s still small enough to help form future vision. People are coming together and deciding the direction of growth – or non growth – that the town wants to embrace. People and businesses are revitilizing buildings and taking care of that history that makes Dufur so very special. I really am passionate about helping form this vision.
Well now, it seems I’ve gone off on a tangent! I need to write about our first Business After Hours event! This Thursday, February 25th at the Balch Hotel, we are very fortunate to have Lisa Williams with Media Forte Marketing presenting about the nebulous I N T E R N E T. She’s focusing on how to increase your presence on the net. Let me tell you from personal experience (www.BalchHotel.com) that’s she knows her stuff! I’ve been impressed with her knowledge, the groups and training that she’s involved with that keep her connected and up on the latest. I sure wouldn’t want that job!! I rather enjoy the idea of “mastery”. Hers is an ever changing beast and I’m glad she keeps up with it translating it to a language that I can understand. She’s presenting from 6-7:00, then we’ll network and meet our fellow business men and women from 7-8:00 while enjoying some tantalizing treats from Imperial River in Maupin, Janet Stauffer (for judge!!), and the Balch. Join us!! You don’t have to be a member, but after Thursday night you just might want to be!
Thursday, February 25th
Balch Hotel, Dufur
6-8:00 p.m.
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