by Renée Louzon-Benn, President, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce
As the President of the Chamber, I have been fortunate to work with many of our area leaders on encouraging them to buy locally and use local business services. I strongly feel we should be loyal to the community in which we live and do business.
Business leaders are our friends, our neighbors and fellow parents at our kids’ schools. They are the ones who step up, show up and get to work by setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Actually, those are traits of all good employees, not just business owners or leaders.
Our most valued employees are willing to learn and excel at the job required, be part of a team and go above and beyond now and then – without being asked. Employers and managers can participate in this team-building by listening to the ideas and thoughts employees may have for improving the business. Employees see the business from the inside out and, if they feel empowered, may share unique insights into new ways to generate revenue or cut losses.
As the holiday season approaches, Casa Grande is all dressed up with plenty of places to go. Starting with the City’s Electric Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, and moving into early 2020, there are many fun, free, public events that bring home the fact we have an enviable, bustling, friendly community.
One of the reasons I have always loved Casa Grande is that we are a community with a heart. Our area nonprofit and service organizations focus efforts on providing gifts, meals and other holiday items to the underserved in our community. Our governmental and community leadership understands that each person helps to build the character of Casa Grande.
That character includes approachability, an inclusive attitude and working as one voice for our residents, especially those who may not be heard on their own. Area businesses and their employees donate to charitable efforts that ensure the less fortunate of all ages will know that we do hear them and that they are a part of this great community.
So when you hear me, or anyone else, mention shopping local and living local, it’s because by doing so you are contributing positively to the continued and forward development of this home we call Casa Grande. More information is available at casagrandechamber.org and facebook.com/cgbiz.