This article is laced with commonly known nuggets of wisdom.    

"No Good Deed Goes Unpunished".  The Chamber recently dipped it's toe into the impassioned field of political debate... not by taking a position, but by simply providing a forum for the community to learn more about those wishing to represent them in Topeka and Washington, DC.  Seems a simply and noble endeavor and one that shouldn't raise eyebrows.  However, four criticisms surfaced by impassioned individuals jockeying for position: the questions are too "liberal", the moderator is too "conservative", not everyone representing part of Dickinson County was invited, and why aren't other statewide races being presented.  For the latter criticisms, the logistics of running a forum wouldn't permit it.  The first two criticisms suggest that personal effrontery was the by-product of choices made while organizing the forum.  In my opinion, these concerns are making a "Mountain Out of a Mole Hill" and apparently part of the little game of politics.  These type of concerns, which are constantly fanned by the partisan parrots, exemplify the dichotomy of petty fear associated with the realm of lofty matters.  Fortunately, many candidates and attendees alike thanked the Chamber for the opportunity.   

"To Err is Human".  To the best of my knowledge, an Abilene Magazine has not been produced in a great many years.  After much effort by the membership, Abilene Reflector-Chronicle, CVB, and Chamber, this week the "Discover Abilene" magazine was delivered.  As with any such undertaking there are many eyes involved in the development, and production of the text, images, and design.  Despite the intense scrutiny before printing, there are a couple of addresses in the membership directory which had not been updated.  This is unfortunate and the responsibility for these errors lie squarely on my shoulders without excuse.  Before going to print, we were confident that a commendable product was being produced.  However, the production staff noted that no matter how hard you try to put together a flawless publication, there is always something that comes up.  At the same time, I have heard many compliments on the publication. 

Bottom Line, if you are not being criticized or second guessed, you probably aren't doing anything worthwhile.  It's easy to sit around and collect a paycheck.  It's quite another to move the needle.  The catalyst always draws the fire and the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce is here to be a catalyst for local prosperity.