One of my favorite events we host at the Chamber is Lunch with a Leader. It’s intentionally small, conversational, and real. You get a behind-the-scenes look at someone’s journey, not just their title or résumé, but the person behind the business.
The series actually grew out of the COVID era, when we could only have about 15 people in a room. We kept it that way on purpose. What we found was something powerful: a space where Members could connect with leaders who are often hard to get on a calendar, ask thoughtful questions, and have meaningful conversations that go beyond surface level networking.
Last month, we had the opportunity to spend time with Mark Wright of Diverse Facility Solutions, and I’m incredibly grateful to him for sharing his time and perspective. As always, the conversation was thoughtful, honest, and engaging. But there was one moment in particular that really stuck with me.
I don’t even remember the exact question that was asked. What I remember is Mark’s response.
He talked about opportunity, and he said something simple but profound:
Everything you’re given is an opportunity.
Not just the obvious wins or big milestones. Everything. The experiences, the challenges, the conversations, the moments that stretch you or slow you down. All of it. Each one is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to be better than you were before.
That framing has stayed with me.
It also made me think about our role as a Chamber and how we show up for our Members. As we head into February, often thought of as the month of love and connection, it feels like the right time to ask a few important questions.
How can we create more opportunities for you?
How can we introduce you to someone new in the community?
How can we help turn a brief interaction into a meaningful connection?
At our core, the Chamber is a connector. Sometimes that looks like advocacy. Sometimes it looks like resources or programs. And sometimes, it looks like quietly playing matchmaker, bringing the right people together at the right time.
But opportunity only matters if it’s used.
When you attend an event, meet a new Member, sit down for a conversation, or even face a challenge in your business, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself:
What is the opportunity here?
What am I doing with it?
That shift in mindset can change everything. It changes how we listen. How we engage. How we grow.
I truly value every opportunity to connect with you, to meet with you, and to support your goals. My hope is that the Chamber continues to be a place where opportunities are not only offered, but thoughtfully created and meaningfully used.
And if you’re wondering what opportunities are in front of you right now, or how to take the next step, please reach out to me, or any Member of our Staff or Board of Directors.
Business Forward