When a man realizes his littleness, his greatness can appear. ~ H.G. Wells 
In 1940 our intellect was broadened by the most peculiar of wisdom spewing specimens when Carlo Collodi's fictional character, "The Talking Cricket" was adapted and animated by Walt Disney in the classic novel Pinocchio. Of course I am not talking about the long nosed main character, but rather that of his guiding consultant (and conscience), Jiminy Cricket. For those of you who have not seen the movie in some time, one of Jiminy's more famous tunes he uses to teach Pinocchio (and us) a life lesson is titled "Give a Little Whistle". The lyrics go something like this: When you get in trouble and you don't know right from wrong Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle! When you meet temptation and the urge is very strong Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle! Not just a little squeak, pucker up and blow And if your whistle's weak, yell, "Jiminy Cricket!" Take the straight and narrow path And if you start to slide Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle! And always let your conscience be your guide Now I hope that for all of us letting our conscience be our guide is not a problem. If it is, there are far better equipped people in Jones County to handle that concern than me. What I do find very interesting and amusing in this tune, as in most of the things I try to teach my young son (and I have to be reminded myself of so very often), is that there are others around to help. All we have to do is ask, or whistle or yell, "Jiminy Cricket"! Perhaps it is a southern thing and just part of our culture, but I am amazed how many people will say, "Let me know if I can help" or "if you need anything, just let me know". For some it may just be a saying, but most of us really do mean it. When I am in line at a local store or looking for a particular item, there are usually clerks or attendants around asking if they can help me locate what I am looking for. (Okay, okay... disclaimer for my wife and most of you that know me. I will probably tell the clerk I don't need any help and wander around looking for things an additional 15 to 20 minutes. But, they are still there to help.) So whether you are in a scenario like another famous children's tune and you get all steamed up that we can hear you shout and are to the point of needing someone to tip you over to pour you out or you are just charting new waters and need someone to help guide you on a straight path. There are plenty of people to help. Perhaps your business needs some direction or needs a new partnership to help break into new markets. Maybe you need a sounding board for new ideas. Maybe your needs are broader than Jones County and you need help from a regional or state perspective. Whatever the case may be, the EDA and Chamber of Commerce are here to help direct you toward the resources you need. We are glad to do it. Just let us know how we can help! 
| 
