Column: Sherwood Area Chamber of Commerce goes for greatness

By Dave Murray for the Sherwood Sun

SHERWOOD, Ore. — Did you happen to read my article last month? I wrote about dreams – specifically dreams of the heart. Some readers responded to the article thinking it was too “mushy,” coming from a Chamber of Commerce. I can definitely understand that perspective. Although one reader responded and said “I get it. What you’re saying is that all important things begin with a person’s vision and passion.”  Yes! That’s exactly what I am saying. I’ll just call it greatness that churns inside of us.

What if I asked you this question: “Do you feel greatness inside of you?” Maybe this question stops you in your tracks and gets you thinking. Maybe it tugs at your soul and your heart. Maybe there has not been a clear definition of greatness for you. But I think the majority of readers would ultimately say: “Yes, I feel it.”  A person who feels greatness in themselves is naturally drawn to environments that reward initiative, relationships, and networking. The Sherwood Chamber of Commerce offers those pathways.

Greatness is not always fame. It is not always applause. Greatness is found in the person who chooses to live with courage, humility, generosity, and values. It lives in the one who keeps showing up, keeps learning, keeps serving, and keeps building even when no one is watching. Greatness is the willingness to become the kind of person your dream requires you to be.

That is why dreams of the heart and greatness belong together. A dream without greatness becomes nothing more than a wish. And the feeling of greatness without a dream has no direction. So how does this all come together? We know dreams are passion and vision. And we know greatness is both individual action and participation.

Well, here’s what I think: Greatness comes from growth. The Sherwood Chamber is a growth engine providing mentorship opportunities with key business and civic leaders. It is also a place to interact with forward-thinking committees. Then, of course, greatness seeks connection. Relationships! There’s no better place than the Chamber of Commerce to forge those relationships. It is a community of like-minded professionals with the same passion that dwells inside of you. Fulfilling greatness needs one other component: Impact! When you participate in the Chamber you immediately begin to participate in community action and build partnerships that can create real change. In other words: you can make a difference. 

If you are a business owner, the Chamber is a place where you can give help and get help. If you’re a business manager, you can participate with other leaders who inspire and motivate. If you’re an individual who has that dream and feels that greatness, there is plenty of opportunity to be discovered.

So yes, there is greatness in each of us — the kind that answers a calling. If you have a dream in your heart, do not dismiss it. Nurture it. Work for it. Let it stretch you into a better, braver, and more faithful person. Because the dreams of the heart do more than point us toward the future. They invite us to greatness, and when we step into that calling, our lives, our families, and our communities are changed for the better.