When I was elected to the Board of Directors I don't think I contributed anything for the first three meetings.  If you know me keeping quiet is not one of my strong suits, but all of the discussions were on topics that had begun before my tenure.  Fast forward 5 years and I am now the longest standing member of the board of directors and my position, ironically, has become one to provide the current board members and our new President with background on topics and decisions that were made in the past.  I guess what comes around, goes around.  When I joined the Chamber of Commerce my goal was never to become a board member.  It was simply an opportunity that was presented to me.  From the same perspective, I never planned to be the senior member of the board; but the opportunity has presented itself and the best thing I can do is provide history and insight to the other board members.  Your current board of directors is filled with great business minds that are full of ideas which, I know, will benefit the Chamber.  Our current President, Jim Di Ciaula, has come in with a vision and energy that is contagious to all those around him and I'm as excited as you are to see what he comes up with next.  In the end, no one knows what the future holds but by knowing our history we can influence where we are going and I'm happy to be along for the ride.