Industries & Economy (participants only)
Wednesday, March 2nd

Want to learn more about LJC? Call the Chamber at (601) 649-3031

If You Don't Know Where you're Going,
Any Road Will Get You There

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here," said Alice

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.

"I don't much care where," said Alice.

"Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the Cat.

"--so long as I get SOMEWHERE," Alice added as an explanation."

"Oh, you're sure to do that," said the Cat, "if you only walk long enough."

-Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

At first glance, Alice in Wonderland quotes might sound like riddles and nonsense. However, if you search them carefully for inner-meaning, you will find these quotes rich in truisms and poignant to our lives, culture and our way of doing things. 

Take the statement above for instance, how many times have we said in our businesses, "If we were only doing SOMETHING different", "We need to do SOMETHING to get people interested in our business", "If only we could get people to do SOMETHING." The fact is people won't do SOMETHING unless they are led to do it. Unless you have laid out a clear vision of why they should do it or how it helps them. Creating a specific, measurable, time limited vision is the key. In order to motivate your customers, your employees, your community you must first not be like Alice. You must know where you are going and have a clear vision of how to get there. Sure, there may be detours in the road and bumps and turns, but with a vision of where you want to be and a vision of your goal, it is much easier to stay on a path that will get you there. Having a clear vision will also help you attract people who want to take the journey with you.

Are you having trouble with your vision (no, this is not a commercial for an ophthalmologist)? Call the Chamber (601) 649-3031. We'll be glad to talk with you about your business, your goals and give you an outside opinion of how to get on the right track. We can also connect you to a network of other businesses and resources that can help.

** I have to make a caveat about the above Alice in Wonderland quote. The website I pulled this quote from states, "The above quote is often mistakenly referred to as: 'If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there.' But this line is not in the Alice in Wonderland books." If you liked reading this quote and would like to see more, check out this link: http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/books/alice-in-wonderland-quotes.html

"Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision"

~ Stevie Wonder 

"Great things are not something accidental, but must certainly be willed."

~ Vincent Van Gogh 

"If men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure, the search would never have begun."

~ C. S. Lewis / @cslewisdaily

"Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

~ Albert Einstein 

It's Official, We're on Twitter.

You may have always thought the Chamber was full tweets. Well,now you can follow us and get up to date information as it happens.

State Government Day

The 2010-2011 Leadership Jones County and Future Leaders of Jones County participants recently traveled to the state capital in Jackson as part of their program to learn more about Jones County and becoming better leaders. Throughout the program, learning sessions such as the State Government Session, help participants learn more about state government, their state elected officials and how as citizens and leaders they impact what happens to our community on a statewide level.

Participants were treated to a photo opportunity and meeting with Governor Haley Barbour as well as presentations by Ms. Camille Young, Government Affairs Representative at Watkins, Ludlam, Winter, and Stennis and Mr. Eric Clark, Executive Director of the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges. In addition, participants also met with Rep. Bobby Shows, Rep. Gary Staples, Sen. Haskins Montgomery, Sen. Chris McDaniel, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and State Auditor Stacey Pickering.

Sponsors for this session were: Bancorp South, Community Bank, The First, Regions, Magnolia State Bank, Neel Schafer, Trustmark Bank, Wayne Farms. We appreciate our sponsors and corporate partnerships that make this and all our sessions a success. 

3rd Thursdays

On the third Thursday of the month, the stage at City Centre Crepes & Coffeehouse opens up for an eclectic mix of artists new and established. This month will feature live performances by: Christy Bush Raiford, Erin Napier, Jeremy Stricklin, Jesse Gass, Kristie Reddoch, Scott Parker and more!  

Local Government
(participants only)
Wednesday, March 9th    Want to learn more about FLJC? Call the Chamber at (601) 649-3031