Every day we all experience things that are worthy of being recognized. This could be as simple as a nod of the head, a verbal thank-you or a positive comment. Regardless of the extent of the recognition, it’s something that is appreciated by the recipient and feels good for the person offering the recognition.
Recognition can be done in a variety of ways. It could be recognizing someone such as Northern Illinois University quarterback Jordan Lynch for an outstanding season by mentioning his name with the best players in the country by sports writers. It could be when the Huskies football team is recognized by those in college football when they are ranked in the Top 25 (see next week’s poll). Recognizing community leaders and volunteers is something that is done by a number of organizations throughout the year.
Recently we were able to honor seven women at the 2012 Athena Award reception. The chamber each year also recognizes individuals for our Hall of Fame, an Ambassador of the Year, and a Business of the Year. It’s great to be able to recognize these awards but there are many others that deserve recognition each year.
Most people don’t think about what a local business does for the community and how shopping at that business shows recognition for what they do and how they support the community. Many people go to local business owners and managers to ask for help with their cause, a contribution to their charity or event, and a donation of goods or services to help a community effort but don’t always think to shop at the business when making a purchase.
As the holiday shopping season is upon us, be sure to consider what the local businesses have done for local charities, events and the community and show them the recognition they deserve by shopping at these businesses. As is the case with most volunteers, these businesses aren’t looking for the recognition, but they deserve it.
If you have a business and are looking for additional ways to spread the word about it, be sure to give us a call at 815-756-6306 or visit our website at www.dekalb.org. We want to help to connect you with those that don’t already know about you and help you be recognized.
• Matt Duffy is executive director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.
