Hot tips, in time for summer

Every now and then I refer to some “hot tips” borrowed from my Chamber friends around the country. They are worth repeating and relate to our Chamber.

“Shake things up!” — Perry Webb

“If you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got.” So…do things differently, make some changes, try something new, take some risks and forget the status quo. This one probably takes the cake! Are you bold, daring and courageous enough to go “Over the Edge” with us on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Torrington Towers, the tallest building in northwest Connecticut? Support three very worthy causes: the NW CT Arts Council, Prime Time House and the Chamber’s Education Foundation. Go to https://otecwe.com/nwconnecticut or call one of us for further information.

“Decide what matters. Design around what matters. Do what matters.” — Jon Hockman

Organize your business plans around what is relevant. The key is to deliver and achieve results rather than just talking or complaining. I often recall the words of Henry Ford who said that if you’re going to find fault with something, be sure you have a possible solution in mind. We listen to the challenges of our business community and develop possible solutions. One demographic statistic of concern is the aging of our population and its effect on building a skilled workforce. Please take note of the Boston Federal Reserve Working Cities Design Grant awarded to the City of Torrington and its collaborators from Education Advance, COG, City Departments, Fresh Perspectives, Youth Service Bureau, Warner Theatre, New Opportunities, Workforce Investment Board, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, KidsPlay, Five Points Gallery, NW CT United Way, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Spearpoint Consultants, McCall Center, CAFTA, Torrington Savings Bank, NW CT Arts Council, Community Foundation, NW Community Bank, Sullivan Senior Center, Torrington Area Health and the Chamber. Kudos to all for deciding, designing and doing.

“Sit in the front row.” — Patrick H. McGaughey

Take an active part in the organizations to which you belong, get involved in the community by assisting United Way, connect with other business people at the Business After Hours, Business With Breakfast, Restaurant in the Spotlight or Learn at Lunch. Remember to celebrate Tim and Susan Cook, Ken Merz and the McCall Center for Behavioral Health on June 29. Put the date in your calendar for the WOW Forum on Friday, October 6th at The Warner Theatre. You will love “The Beauty of Business.” You’ll discover that the front row is the place to be.

“The leader takes people places where they wouldn’t go alone.” — Jon Hockman

The importance of leadership in all that we do both professionally and personally cannot be underestimated. If you’ve never considered Leadership NW, here is your opportunity. This initiative is designed to develop resourceful, motivated business leaders committed to making NW CT a better place in which to live and work. Participants meet once a month for a day of workshops, panel discussions and site visits. This experience will lead you to places you’ve not considered before.

These hot tips are easy to handle! Become cool and connect with Northwest Connecticut’s Chamber of Commerce and witness business working together.