THE CHAMBER CORNER: ENTREPRENEURS ARE FOLK HEROES OF BUSINESS

I can't stress enough how correct the mayor is when it comes to the importance of the 2000 census. Actually I was going to write this article pushing the census, but he beat me to it, so I'll just have to reiterate his message. This census will determine our school funding and economic development possibilities for the next 10 years. Let's make sure they have accurate numbers because we all count.

Have you ever wondered why anyone would want to start their own business? I know we can all sit back and say it's because of the freedom it provides, but what about the headaches it provides?

Entrepreneurs are the folk heroes of business life. And I'm not only talking about people who start their own business, but owner/managers that have either purchased an existing business or inherited one they continue to operate. Entrepreneurs are energizers who take risks necessary in a growing economy. It takes a very special person to start and run a business, whether from inception, or from the middle of the cycle. Which is why they are some of my favorite people, from a personal standpoint as well as from my professional position with the Chamber of Commerce.

Although the rewards of owning or operating your own business are enticing; freedom, a satisfying way of life, profit, etc., there are also drawbacks associated with business ownership. Starting and operating your own business typically demands hard work, long hours, and extreme amounts of emotional energy. You may hear them describe their careers as exciting but very demanding. Why is it demanding? Because they work for themselves, and push themselves harder than any other boss would. From the entrepreneurs I have had the privilege of working with in my capacities with the Chamber of Commerce, fear of failure is not a phrase they associate with. They possess a self confidence that allows them to confront any challenge and accept it not as a "problem," but as a challenge. This self reliant individual believes their success depends on their own efforts, and they have a profound belief in their abilities to accomplish anything. This type of individual brings out the best in everyone around them.

So, when you walk into one of Jackson's retail stores on the corner, or the local supermarket, or even the gas station by where you live, remember what that owner/operator put into that business to make it work. Remember also that there are other jobs that probably pay more and wouldn't cause them to work nearly as hard. Most importantly though, remember their service and how well they treated you, that's what will keep you coming back.