Trending
Those words, recorded by the Beatles, lead vocals provided by drummer Ringo Starr, from the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, have been a recurring theme in my life this week.
The Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation have partnered to host bi-monthly entrepreneurial meetups over the last few years. They were designed to be a safe place where local entrepreneurs of all ages and levels of expertise can come together to talk about common issues. We have consistently seen groups of 20 or 30 individuals.
This past Wednesday evening as we met together, and attendees took turns updating the group on the progress of their businesses, I kept hearing the same thing reiterated.
One entrepreneur would point out another in the group and thank them for the help they offered them along the way. This went on repeatedly. It was very moving to see the ways they had been there for each other sharing recipes, skills, knowledge, and resources, to help them on their way.
That is when I spoke up to say, in other words, what I am hearing is that your businesses are what they are today because just as those lyrics state, "We get by with a little help from our friends." There were many nods of agreement.
Then later, I went to visit a new restaurant owner in the area who has been dealing with several roadblocks and delays on the way to seeing their restaurant open for business. Once again, I heard the same sentiment voiced as the owner told me stories of how fellow restaurant owners in the community upon hearing about their obstacles, generously offered their time and expertise to assist in preparing the restaurant and their fledgling staff.
As if I needed another reason to love and admire our local small businesses, this certainly provided just that. I know you have heard me atop my soapbox before encouraging you to think local first when seeking goods and services, but I feel compelled to say it once again.
We have a beautiful, supportive group of business owners in our community that are counting on us to support them as they support each other.
Another beautiful part of this story is that no one in either situation mentioned finding out before offering assistance what someone's political affiliation was, their religious leanings, or sexual preferences, they just offered a helping hand. I found that very refreshing. It was living proof that we do not have to agree on everything to be kind and caring human beings.
The first verse of "With a Little Help from My Friends" says, "What would you think if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song and I'll try not to sing out of key."
To me they are asking what if I am not perfect? What if my beliefs do not line up with yours? Would you then think twice before accepting me and offering help?
I believe that is something we all need to look deeply inside of ourselves to evaluate. Do we offer assistance when we can? Are we discriminating when it comes to who we choose to help?
Ralph Waldo Emerson said it this way: "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."
I believe if we truly live our lives that way, we will find happiness!
Have you missed any of my articles? If so, not to worry you can find them at jrvchamber.com.
•••
Rhonda S. Kelley is Executive Director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.