Chamber, Our Ability and Spilled Coffee

Today I had the opportunity to work with the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce. They are in the midst of the membership drive, and I was invited to come give my two cents. I shared table space with people from banking to dry cleaning. We produce videos and human resource seminars! Not a normal connection…but here comes the connectivity.
While sitting there, I realize that I have made most of my connections locally with Our Ability video production through the AC Chamber. Our Ability has been involved with the chamber on many levels for the past three years, including video production and leadership seminars.

I have always seen value in networking, and I can think of no better organization network through your local business leaders. It is a little early in the season to make New Year’s resolutions, but in 2014 Our Ability plans on networking more through our local chambers of commerce. It is vital to the economic development of our community, and that community includes people disabilities to be able to discuss and network with the appropriate people.
Laura Dehmer has become a close ally and friend in the fight to raise awareness with people with disabilities to business connections. Just in the past year, she has helped open doors from Manhattan to Buffalo – while keeping the focus on the Tech Valley region! Mark Eagan has provided testimonial about our work in the capital region.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit with Linda Hillman at the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce. We are working on an important project together, and it was wonderful to broaden my network.
If you are not a member, I urge you to consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce. And, if you do any work in the capital region the AC Chamber and Rensselaer are wonderful organizations.
I am not alone! Corey Jamison wrote this:
The Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce- My Best Friend at Work
While sitting at my desk this morning, I laughed so hard at one of my own jokes that I spilled coffee on my laptop.
Being this funny is bound to start costing me.
When the Gallup organization started talking about the importance of having a friend at work to organizational engagement and success, I thought it was baloney. Even as a big fan of the importance of the ‘soft stuff’ for organizational success, that one felt a little too hokey, even for me.
But, then, after 25 years as President and owner of a multi-national consulting firm, I went out on my own as a sole practitioner doing executive and team development work, as Corey Jamison Consulting, LLC- Putting Courage to Work.
The days I am not working with clients, I am often (blissfully) alone. I love that time, and have craved if for the many years I have been a working mother. But, there are moments that are lonely, and times when the presence of a colleague for commiseration, another vantage point or some good old fashioned inspiration would be welcome.
That’s why I am joining the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce. Beyond great tools for growth, business development, marketing strategies and a built-in community of potential customers, the chamber offers a sense of belonging to a community. Chamber members are people like you and me, working hard, and working together to advocate for and strengthen the economic value of our region, an endeavor that benefits us all.
From the first moment I walked in the doors of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, I felt that sense of community, and with it, the potential for the growth of my business. When I left that same day, I felt INSPIRED and excited about the tremendous possibilities ahead for my business. I had new ideas, different ways of thinking about the challenges and opportunities ahead of me, and more information that has been an essential part of seeing my business grow rapidly in a short amount of time.
While I may be my own best friend at work these days, I know my Chamber membership investment will net immeasurable return to my business, and to my sense of being part of something bigger in service of the region in which we work, live and prosper.