Archive for the ‘Chamber of Commerce’ Category
Most responsible newspapers feature an editorial page containing columns that express the personal opinions of writers. Included on the editorial page are editorial opinions, criticism, persuasion and op-eds. Newspapers play an important role in the exercise of freedom of expression. Whistle-blowers, and those who “leak” stories of corruption in business or political circles, often look to newspapers to expose the secrets and lies of those who would rather cover them.
The Supreme Court has held that “…the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors. The press was protected so that it could bare the secrets … and inform the people. Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception…”
Lynn Adams
Community newspapers serve as watchdogs to hold accountable elected leaders and candidates for public office, as well as business, in general, and business organizations charged with serving local business and/or our community, in particular. Newspapers shine a light on business and governmental practices, making available valuable decision-making information to the citizens.
In short, actions related to publishing Our Community are consistent with the role of a newspaper in a free society.
The following questions have been posed.
Q. Why have you decided to make a private matter between you and the executive board of the chamber public through your writings?
A. What may have begun as a private matter became public when the chamber communicated board action via an email blast to the entire chamber membership as well as non-members — an email time stamped prior to a vote of the board of directors. Public or private notwithstanding, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is that good people do nothing. Practices contrary to the public good and which betray the principles upon which the chamber was founded — core values where politics had no place and service to the business membership was the highest priority — should be judged in the light of day. Remaining silent under such circumstances is the same as advocating the wrongdoing, and encourages continued abuse by those given free reign to promote personal agendas.
Brenda Adams
Q. Why do you have such a keen interest in the May 4 Republican primary given the fact that you are running for the Democratic Party Central Committee, representing Ward 4B?
A. All Americans should take a keen interest in our electoral process. Political advocacy should not be determined by party lines. It is the responsibility of every conscientious citizen to exercise their Constitutional rights to participate in the electoral process as we choose the person we believe is best suited to represent us. It is a hallmark of an open-minded, unbiased and responsible voter to consider the qualifications of candidates for public office, and make their choice without regard to political affiliation.
Q. Do you feel that your recent editorials are in conflict with your publication’s good-news-only mission statement?
A. A vibrant, healthy and open climate where business thrives and in which our superior quality of life is celebrated are the very underpinnings which are good news for all concerned. Truth and the exercise of Constitutional rights related to freedom of speech and a free press should not be viewed as negative qualities in a free society, but should be an environment in which we all rejoice. It is the responsibility of a free press, as well as a society’s citizenry, to reject repressive business practices and view those seeking public office with a discerning and critical eye. Asking the hard questions should be the rule rather than the exception if we are to celebrate what is the good news of living in Madison County.
I was talking to a downtown London businessman the other day when, as occurs in many of my conversations these days, he brought up the “Going Rogue” series of editorials that has been running for the past six weeks. He asked me how many more of these editorials I was going to write, hoping I would tell him I’ve had my say and that I’m ready to move on. Not so. I’ve still got plenty of barrels of ink left.
Brenda Adams
Since then, I’ve decided his query was more on behalf of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce than anything else. There are those who’d prefer to let sleeping dogs lie. Who cares if the business public should know how its monies are being used and the character of those who are supposed to be working on their behalf?
I also had a chat with another businessman, who also turned the conversation to the editorials. He was glad to know there’s a newspaper which takes seriously its role as a watchdog for the community. He shook his head and asked rhetorically, “When are they (chamber) going to figure out what they need to do?”
I knew the answer, but pressed him for what he saw as “what they need to do.” He had served on several boards of directors and told me that if an organization — especially a non-profit one which relies on the public’s goodwill and a reputation above reproach — was being hammered the way the chamber’s integrity has been, he would encourage his fellow board members to take a long, hard look in the mirror to determine why the organization is in the position it finds itself. He said a board member should put the welfare of the organization above that of any individual, and should take immediate steps to eliminate the reason for the organization’s image being tarnished — action even more imperative if it’s the president’s actions that perpetuate a tsunami of criticism. In the case of the chamber and charges of conflicts of interest, backroom politics and blatant disregard for serving its membership, he suggested that the president stepping down or the executive director resigning or both would demonstrate the board’s sincere commitment to the organization and would go a long way toward repairing the chamber’s reputation.
See, there are those who are level headed and who know the right course of action.
One of Lynn’s favorites in his T-shirt collection is the one that poses the question: “If a man speaks in the woods and there’s no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong?”
By the same logic, if we blindly accept political assertions, does it make them true?
Brenda Adams
Maybe it’s our busy lifestyle that prompts us to believe what we see or hear without question. Too often we don’t take the time to cultivate a healthy skepticism for even the most far-fetched claim. Instead, like lambs led to slaughter, we merely accept what hucksters spoon-feed us, choosing to adopt a concocted “truth” instead of challenging what is presented us with a “wait just a minute” suspicion.
Until Christopher Columbus opened our collective eyes in 1492, everyone believed the world was flat.
Like many Baby Boomers, I look back at the 1950s with heart-warming nostalgia. “Leave It to Beaver” and “Father Knows Best” portrayed the decade in which I was born as uncomplicated, family oriented and, of course, black and white.
Brenda Adams
When it comes to life’s decisions, Lynn prefers things in black and white (right and wrong). I, on the other hand, operate quite nicely, thank you very much, in the gray areas which seem to be the hallmark of today’s society.
The other day, I happened past the TV that was keeping Lynn company as he was putting together a recent issue of Our Community. “Pleasantville,” a tribute movie to the 1950s’ idyllic family sitcoms which also weaves a not-so-subtle — yet colorful — object lesson into its black and white tapestry, was playing. I paused long enough to watch a few minutes of it near the end. If you’re familiar with the movie, you know that the movie builds to the climax in which teenager Bud Parker is brought to “trial” in front of the entire town, charged with being the reason Pleasantville’s predictable black and white world is evolving into tempestuous vibrant colors. Presented in “To Kill a Mockingbird” fashion — with the monochrome citizens on the ground floor segregated from the “colored” residents sitting in the balcony — and with McCarthy undertones, Big Bob sits in judgment of all those who refuse to live by the new Pleasantville Code of Conduct, a list of regulations preventing people from visiting the library and Lovers’ Lane, playing loud music or using colorful paints. Looking down on the assemblage, Big Bob imposes his will with an uncontested authority reinforced by a backdrop of a huge, ominous, overbearing, deity-like chamber of commerce logo which looms over the entire population like a larger-than-life swastika.
What a wonderful world this is when we work together for the common good.
Brenda Adams
This was gloriously apparent recently with the opening of two downtown businesses — the London Grill and the State Theatre. On the first Friday night both these establishments were open, there was not only excitement in the air, but scores of people downtown after sundown. Two prominent downtown business fronts which had been darkened too long are now alive and bright with activity. Appreciative Madison Countians anxious — longing — for a downtown rebirth jammed the sidewalks and lined up at the doors on this particular Friday night.
And London beamed with a broad smile of prosperity!
Jim Fite is a management consultant and motivational speaker friend of mine in Oklahoma who years ago discovered the term “scotoma.” He began utilizing the term when consulting with companies and during his speaking engagements.
Brenda Adams
A scotoma is a medical term describing an area of diminished vision within the visual field, quite simply a blind spot. Using the word metaphorically in the business and social arena, it refers to a person’s failure to perceive — a blind spot — things that were there all along.
Since being introduced to the term, I’ve noticed it in practical applications. For instance, before Lynn and I owned a particular make of vehicle, we didn’t really notice that kind of vehicle that much, although they were there all along. After we bought that particular vehicle, we’ve since noticed several of the same vehicles.
When one becomes aware of certain things, the blind spot is removed, the scotoma disappears.
I’m at the age where when I look in the mirror, I often see my mother looking back at me. It’s just the way it is as we grow older, we see ourselves becoming our parents. But the other day I looked in the mirror, and I was surprised to see someone else looking back. It was Sarah Palin.
Brenda Adams
As I took a closer look, I realized just how closely the former Alaska governor is a reflection of me. Or is it that I am a reflection of her?
The fact that we both earned our college bachelor’s degree in the same subject — communications — is probably more interesting than it is important. But the similarities don’t end there.
Sarah Palin has been known to speak her mind. My husband Lynn will be one of the first to confirm that I’m not shy about expressing myself, and many others in Madison County can attest that I am passionate about many things in which I’m involved. Don’t ask me what I think, because I will tell you. Come to think of it, I’m usually not one to keep my opinion to myself until asked. A woman who speakers her mind? Perish the thought!
Such candor may be the reason Sarah Palin has been described as polarizing, someone you either love or hate — there’s no middle ground. It probably won’t come as a big surprise that I, too, fall into that same category. And I don’t have a problem with that. My friends know I’m a loyal friend to them. Likewise, my enemies often wish they’d chosen a different enemy. To be sure, more often than not, I embrace controversy rather than avoid it.
A night of nostalgia from 1959 awaits those who attend this year’s Bonanza Thursday (October 22) at Choctaw Lake Lodge, a bona fide extravaganza celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.
Not only will the annual fund-raiser embrace a 1950s theme with music, decorations and a 1959-style menu for dinner, but will also feature an array of special live auction items and a rock ‘n roll game show.
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The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a driving rally and car meet Saturday (Aug. 8). Read the rest of this entry »
