February 2024 Board Member Newsletter Article

The Power of Connections

Robin Anthony, IOM
President/CEO
Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

As a Chamber of Commerce executive, we carry a little bit of superpower. Though our jobs are not always easy. As a matter of fact, I bet we all have had those days when we wonder why we do what we do. Maintaining so many relationships with our business communities, elected officials, municipalities, schools, and all the above takes time, energy, and knowledge. We are servants who can really make a difference.

Almost three years ago I was at a friend’s cabin in western Wisconsin hanging out at a local dive bar listening to music out on the deck. The young women (I will call her M) had a unique voice, a bit on the Johnny Cash side of things. She was only 20 years old at the time. Our Chamber always takes out one of the large boats in Stillwater, MN late summer, and it just so happened we were short an act. After listening to her, I invited her to perform, and she was so thrilled. Little did I know playing on the boats had always been a dream of hers as her late dad was also a musician and his gig for years was performing on the big river boats in Stillwater.

That night M turned heads and was outstanding! I ended up hiring her for future Chamber events and connected her with several of our bars and restaurants in the valley where she is still performing today. What a great person with impressive character and appreciation. M was also just finishing up her nursing degree and we got to talk about what type of job she would be looking for. I asked her to send me her resume which I ended up passing on to the president of our local hospital. Within one week, she landed a job in the emergency room.

M went on to produce two singles and started playing in Nashville on occasion. Last May I got married and she played at the reception and would not charge me anything. It’s okay though, when in Nashville I shipped her a nice pair of cowboy boots to thank her. Now she is looking to move out there part-time and continue to expand her circles in the industry. All because as a Chamber executive, I had the opportunity to give her a chance. The little bit of superpower we have in our pocket can do lots of good.

I’m sure most of us have several stories like this but we are too busy to take a pause and look at what we have done. I encourage you to take that pause and think about what YOU have done. On occasion I will ask our Ambassadors and our Board of Directors, what would our community look like without a Chamber? It is an interesting discussion, and it brings to the forefront the power of connection.

I am looking forward to getting to know more of you this year in my position as the MCCE Board Chair.  This organization is one of the best ways to learn, grow, and better execute our role in the industry. We have a lot of work to do in our state to continue to support the best interests of businesses, and we must get out the vote, get the right policy makers in place, and lead our industry like never before. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!