More than 200 business and community representatives heard a year in review of the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and a short presentation on leadership and success at the Chamber’s annual luncheon Wednesday at Lion Hills.
The Chamber recruited 48 new members over the past year, Chamber of Commerce President Lisa James said. The Columbus-Lowndes Chamber, which boasts 495 members, has a higher total than similar-sized communities throughout the state, she said.
“It shows the strength of the organization,” James said. “People hear what we are doing to grow and enhance the community and they want to be a part of the team. Most communities our size have about 300 chamber members. This shows me our chamber adds value to the business community.”
At the luncheon, keynote speaker Jimmy Abraham, the vice chairman of client and business relations for Cadence Bank, gave businesses tips on how to engage with others, how to lead and the key to success.
“You don’t need a lecture on leadership. You could come up here and give that lecture I know,” Abraham said. “You understand the role of a leader. You understand the role of service. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here today. It’s in your DNA.”
In 2013, Abraham retired from Mississippi State University after serving in various roles including assistant dean in student services, director of enrollment, vice president of student affairs and the director of the MSU alumni association. He said he enjoyed “most of his days” during his 38 year-long career with MSU, but when asked by a friend what event changed his life the most, he was stumped.
“I never thought about it and I bet you haven’t thought about it either,” Abraham said. “You’re so focused on day by day, we have to be. There’s so many things that take our attention. What it came down to, it wasn’t that I was (at Mississippi State) in 1980 that Mississippi State beat Alabama, the No. 1 team ranked in the country, 6-3. I was there, but it wasn’t about that. It came back to mentors and encouragers and those that made a significant impact on my life. All of you are mentors and encouragers as well.”
Speaking to the room of business men and women, Abraham said leadership falls in line with teamwork.
“I don’t have many talents, and neither do you,” Abraham said. “Not compared to the amount of talent that’s in this world. If I can put my few talents, with your few talents and your few talents, we could build mountains together.”
Abraham said success boils down to each individual person and simply treating those as the most important person in the room.
“We get caught up in our lives, but at the end of the day there’s two things it’s all about,” Abraham said. “It’s about family and what we’ve done for others throughout the day. Wherever you go, whatever you do, when you see other people you imagine that they are wearing a big sign on their front and on their back that reads: notice me, make me feel important.”
James also updated the assembly on the successes of the CLCC this year.
In the past year, CLCC launched two county-wide school programs, including the senior send-off and convocation in an effort to bring students from area schools for celebration. The senior convocation brought area students together at the start of the school year to pray for educators, students and a successful year. Near the end of the school year, the CLCC brought area students together again for the senior send-off wishing students successful careers and paths after graduation. James added the Education Awards Committee gave $7,500 in scholarships last year and visited various schools throughout the county gifting educators with $5,000.
James also spoke about the CLCC’s military affairs committees. The Chamber was recognized Wednesday in Washington, D.C. for its collaboration with the Columbus Air Force Base. The Military Child Education Coalition awarded CLCC and CAFB with the Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Award.
The CLCC also recognized four members for volunteer efforts, including Columbus Municipal School Board Member Josie Shumake, Realtor Colin Krieger, CMSD Superintendent Cherie Labat and PACCAR Communication and Training Manager Mike Arzamendi.
“We’re so fortunate to have such a vibrant chamber,” James said. “I’d like to thank all of you for your time, investment and effort leading this committee.”
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