Reflecting on My Journey with the Lincoln Chamber
There has been a lot to see throughout my 30 years with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. It has been my true honor to serve as Chamber president for the past 15 years as Lincoln grows as a premier destination to work, raise a family, and live life to its fullest.
Fortunately, I have been able to work with exceptional business leaders and colleagues. Reflecting on my journey as Lincoln Chamber president, it is those relationships and our united accomplishments that I hold in the highest regard. My goal has always been to advocate for Lincoln businesses and do the work necessary to ensure Lincoln remains the very best place to live, work, and play. Our team has done that, and I truly couldn’t ask for more. I applaud my team for positioning the Lincoln Chamber to accomplish more than I could have ever imagined at the start of my career. Together, we worked with our partners, investors, elected officials, and valued members to build an incredible community.
Through the work of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development and our collaborations with a strong base of investors, we were able to build a platform in Lincoln for founders and startups to succeed in Lincoln. Programs like Launch LNK and the JumpStart Challenge have significantly elevated innovation and entrepreneurship in Lincoln, turning new ideas into the next big thing.
Watching our Lincoln Young Professionals Group grow into one of the largest in the county, with just over 2,000 members, has also been a career highlight. We were recently named the best city in the country for YPs—something I am incredibly proud of, as we cultivate the next generation of business leaders and leaders in the community.
I am so proud of the Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau and their work to promote Lincoln as a premier destination for travelers and the development of our tourist attractions. We have truly seen Lincoln become a host for big, citywide events. Hosting the Special Olympics in 2010 and the State Games of America in 2015 stand out, as does our continued partnership with the Nebraska School Activities Association as numerous high school state tournaments call Lincoln home and will for the foreseeable future.
The building of Pinnacle Bank Arena and the development of the Haymarket around the arena continues to be one of the most important developments in Lincoln’s history. The Chamber played an integral role in guiding arena-related legislation through local votes, leveraging our organizational assets, and mobilization of members, young professionals, and elected officials to advocate for the project.
Finally, as I conclude my last Strictly Business column, I will leave you with a few words of advice that have served me well throughout my career:
Never be afraid to take a risk. Will you stumble and fail once in a while? Of course. But with your failures, excellence and innovation will come to the surface.
Pave new paths and allow yourself to be uncomfortable from time to time—this is where growth exists, no matter what field or point of life you are in. Refuse to live within the boundaries of your comfort zone. I promise, you will be better for it.
Be intentional in your efforts to surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and friends of different walks of life, spanning a wide age range. The wisdom and life experience of those who have more of it than you do, coupled with the new perspectives of those younger than you, will take you far. Thank you, Lincoln.