The fall blitz of annual dinners sponsored by local business organizations is just about over. The chambers in Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills recently hosted their membership galas, and Dade City’s takes place in a few weeks.
There was the massive annual banquet in early September for the Pasco Economic Development Council that was attended by more than 600 people to honor Industry of The Year award winners.
Even the Central Pasco Chamber in Land O’ Lakes, which has its annual dinner in July, didn’t escape the fall hoopla. Its Dancing With Our Stars event brought together close to 500 members and friends to cheer on its volunteer dancers and raise money for the chamber.
My staff and I attend these events to support these organizations and to share in the joy of recognizing dedicated business people in our communities. These civic-minded leaders give their time, talent and money to help other members grow their businesses through networking, and by sharing their knowledge and experiences.
The finale of these dinners is always recognition of the hardest working and most successful members. The programs are heavy on awards, with dozens of individuals and business receiving accolades from their peers for their leadership and willingness to serve on the board and numerous committees.
When you’re in the audience waiting for one of these dinners to be over so you can get home, one tends to get a bit impatient, as one award seems to roll into the next.
When that happens, however, it’s a good time to close your eyes and think back to a time when you were personally recognized and remember how good it felt.
A teacher, coach, employer or organization has recognized most of us at least once in our lives. No matter how insignificant that award may seem today, you still remember how proud you felt when your name was called and you walked to the front of the group to get your plaque and perhaps your photo taken.
I find it interesting that no matter our age, we’re never too old to be recognized for a job well done. Hearing your name ring out above the buzz of the crowd is like being a violin virtuoso. You’re suddenly playing the part that everyone is tuned in to.
And so I give accolades to our many chambers, the EDC, the Rotary and Lions’ clubs and all the other organizations that make it a priority to recognize their members.
Recognition is motivational to the recipient and perhaps more importantly, inspirational to those applauding. And some of those clapping will undoubtedly be moved to step it up a notch and work a bit harder so it will be their name that rings out at next year’s banquet.
