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Main Street Reimagined Podcast
This is a podcast for dreamers, creators, developers, and entrepreneurs to learn, share, and be inspired to change your community through small business.
Main Street Reimagined Podcast
Episode 23: Leading Change; Chamber Advocacy, Community Engagement, and Leadership Insights with Heidi Jones
Heidi Jones, President of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, joins us on this episode to unravel the intricacies of leading the community business hub. As she dispels myths about the Chamber, Heidi outlines its mission of advocacy, engagement, and community planning, distinguishing it from other entities like the Better Business Bureau.
With a keen eye on revitalizing outdated practices, Heidi discusses the necessity of handling criticism constructively and emphasizing feedback to propel growth. We also take a closer look at the internal restructuring within the Chamber, where Heidi candidly shares stories of career transitions and the rewards of community engagement, illustrating the profound impact of mentorship and learning.
In a world where feedback can be a mixed bag, Heidi's journey from banking to nonprofit leadership showcases the resolve needed to navigate career changes and community influence. She reflects on the challenges and triumphs of leadership, the political nuances of her role, and the urgency of understanding community perceptions. As we explore the power of fresh leadership and new ideas, this episode promises invaluable lessons on harnessing change to foster community growth, emphasizing action over rhetoric to drive progress.
Guest Links:
Facebook: facebook.com/@MarionAreaChamber/
Main Street Reimagined:
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The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N
Henry Development Group:
Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup
Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com
Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news
Luke Henry:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry
Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148
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All businesses in general, we have to do that internal soul-searching. You know, are we being impactful for one and, as what we're doing, does it continue to be relevant? You know, our communities change around us every day and when we, as a business, keep the same model forever, we're not as relevant as we once were.
Speaker 2:So, really keeping our thumb on the pulse of what's happening in the community, were so really keeping our thumb on the pulse of what's happening in the community. This is the Main Street Reimagined podcast, a show for people ready to turn visions into realities and ideas into businesses. Hey, I'm Luke Henry and each week I lead conversations with Main Street dreamers who took the leap to launch a business, renovate a building or start a movement, their ideas, their mindsets and their inspirations, as well as some of the highs and lows along the way. This is a place for dreamers, creators, developers and entrepreneurs to learn, share and be inspired to change your community through small business. Enjoy the show. Hey, friends, luke Henry here. This is the Main Street Reimagined podcast. Thanks so much for being with us today. I'm excited to be bringing you episode 23 today, and I have with me Heidi Jones. Hello, heidi.
Speaker 1:Hi Luke, how are you?
Speaker 2:I'm well and happy to be with you. So Heidi, if you have not yet had the pleasure of meeting her is the current president of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce and we're going to talk all things chamber today and talk about Heidi's background and her story, and I'm excited to dig into it. It's I know part of it at least, and it's been a bit of a winding road to get to where she is today and she's doing great things for the community in her current role and has in past roles, and so I'm excited to be talking about that. So thanks again. So yeah, so let's start with the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. So if someone is not familiar with our local chamber here, tell us a little bit about who you are, what you do and maybe even some things that you do not do. I think that there's we were talking a little bit before we started here that there's kind of some misunderstandings of what the chamber is and is not. So educate us a little bit here, heidi Sure.
Speaker 1:Well, ultimately we are the hub for business. Our goal is to really help businesses looking to retain employees, expand their business and, of course, make those connections with the community. So for us we really want to be that educational source and so we have sort of three buckets in our mission. One is our member engagement, the second piece is advocacy and the third piece is community planning and when our planning piece of that is more being at the table so that we can be a voice for business as plans are being developed in the community. So those are kind of our three buckets and we try our best to stay in our lane and really focus on the core, which is the business. What's happening with the businesses that are members in Marion, what are their successes, what are some of their barriers and how can we help make connections to resources?
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's great. So what are some things that you are not?
Speaker 1:We're not the Better Business Bureau. We get lots of calls to tell us about businesses and share lots of colorful examples of business happenings, so we hear that quite a bit. We're also not 911 when it comes to reporting any emergencies in the community. We do get some of those type of calls. We do get a lot of calls just asking us for phone numbers for other places in the community which we are happy to share with that. We can Google, correct, and lots of times we do so. Yeah, those are some of the things that are interesting. And we get calls. Everything in between. Some of the things that we get we're like okay, how do we direct this one?
Speaker 2:I can only imagine yeah, hopefully you're keeping a scrapbook of some of those fun calls to review at the staff Christmas party or something, just to see that you are often kind of the front door for a lot of folks that are maybe coming into the community with a business, interested in a business, expansion of a business, something like that. And so often people do call the chamber and want to get the 411 on the business climate, the community as a whole, some of the demographics and and I mean that is something that you do probably with regularity- Absolutely.
Speaker 1:I mean that is something we positively do. We do our best to really get to know each of our businesses. So when, when someone is making that call, maybe they're new to Marion and they're trying to figure out where they might want to get a job, what types of jobs are available, we get calls like that and we're happy to kind of go through that sort of information with everyone. We also keep lots of data on the population and things like that which we get from local sources that track that. So we don't have to be the inventor of that information, but we do collect that information. So if someone does call, we're not sending them on another phone call. We're able to best answer the question. But really we want to be that welcoming spot for people, whether it's someone who's looking to bring a business or they're looking to understand business. As you said, we've got a healthy business community here and we take pride in knowing each of those business owners, operators and being able to share part of their story for anybody who's looking to come to our community.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, that's fascinating, so, yeah. So just a curator of information, a connector and I know you do that, you know for not only people coming into the community but also on the daily with businesses that are part of the chamber, trying to make connections and just help business to happen. So I love that. So you've been in your role now for almost two years, yes, and we'll get the full story here in a minute of how you went from being a little girl and wanting to be a chamber director someday to where you are today understand the business climate, the community from the small business lens or really big business, all business lens and what are some things that came from. You know, I know you went through a series of different meetings with people, one-on-one and in small groups and large groups, and what were some of the findings that you came away with after that kind of initial expedition?
Speaker 1:Sure, well, you know, a lot of it was evaluating One understanding, then evaluating where we're at and what spot we could take. So that really came from listening, as you said, and you know, one of the things that we heard was you know, our chambers had a great reputation for bringing educational components to the community through our various councils and things like that. So one of the things that we wanted to talk about, obviously, after COVID we, just like everybody else, we saw a decrease in attendance in those in-person meetings and councils, and so one of the things that we chose to do was combine all of our councils into one called a connection council. Instead of having sector specific, we bring all the sectors together, because one of the things we heard was that, you know, gosh, I might be a member of the HR council, but what they were talking about at the manufacturing council was something I had interest in, but because I wasn't a part of that council, I didn't get to hear that. So, pulling all the councils together, it really allows for rich conversation and we've had great success in doing that. So that's one of the first things that we did. There were too many councils, I guess, to spread that attendance and trying to decide what you wanted to be a part of and not was really, you know, something that some of our businesses struggled with. So being able to have everybody at the table has been helpful.
Speaker 1:Another piece that we've had is our co-sponsoring events or some of those educational components that we bring in. We had lots of really good participation, but it was on a larger scale. You know, we've always done our supervisor six pack, for example, and that's something we'll continue to do, but a lot of our smaller businesses struggled with trying to find where's the educational stuff for me, and so one of the things that we took a look at was what's something that we can do, one thing that I'm super proud of that we've been offering this whole year, and we actually have a workshop coming up next week. We have something the state of Ohio has the Minority Business Development Division and so one of the things we looked at some of our small businesses. We have veterans, we have people of color, we have women in enterprise and we didn't have a lot of information for them. So we've been offering quarterly workshops to talk about what resources are out there for our small minority businesses, and so gosh attendance in those. I think we've had over 100 people collectively and then we've got another workshop coming up next week.
Speaker 1:But what happens with some of our small businesses if they get those certifications? It opens up financial resources that a lot of them we heard. That was a struggle, you know, when you don't have the foot traffic initially coming in, how do we get the funds to do some of the things that we need to do to get the foot traffic in? And so that was the really cool component that I found when talking with the minority business development division was that gosh, there are these things available 0% interest for our minority owned businesses and things like that. So that has really been eye opening for us and we've gotten tremendous feedback on the businesses who have gotten those certifications and that window of resources that it opened for them.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so that's been great. Yeah, yeah, I love that, just finding where there continue to be gaps.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:And not being stuck in the way we've always done it.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:I know it was an important part of your initial discussions and really just trying to see do we need to freshen up some things? And you know those are some great examples of what you found.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think all businesses in general we have to do that internal soul searching. You know, are we being impactful for one and, as what we're doing, does it continue to be relevant? You know, our communities change around us every day and when we, as a business, keep the same model forever, we're not as relevant as we once were. So really keeping our thumb on the pulse of what's happening in the community and adjusting accordingly I mean, we can't just do the same thing all the time and expect a different result or expect people to come if it's not relevant to what they're doing. So that's really important for us is we want to be impactful and we want to be relevant.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's a great word for businesses of all shapes and sizes, for-profit, nonprofit. Again, it's so easy to get stuck in just doing the same thing year after year, rinse and repeat, and it gets stale, and it gets stale and people don't want to keep coming around.
Speaker 1:It does, and I will say this I understand why that happens, though. Right, it takes a lot of time to really reflect and then go, oh gosh, we need to make this change, and change is hard, but the only thing that stays the same is change, and so we have to get used to, you know, every year reflecting and saying what can we do differently as we move into the next year.
Speaker 2:I'd love to dig in on that a little bit. Change can be a hot topic in any organization and I think that you've led through some change. At this point and talk to us a little bit about just again for the for-profit, the nonprofit, the small business, the larger organization that's out there, we all have to deal with change and initiating change and leading through change. What have been some lessons that you've learned through making some of these changes in terms of getting the right parties at the table, responding to challenge or criticism of the change and some of those things that have come for you?
Speaker 1:Sure For me. One of the approaches that I've taken is I'm walking into the room to listen first and talk secondly right.
Speaker 1:And so for me, it was just I wanted to understand how we've been doing and I wanted to hear that from the business owners. And that perspective and something that I did here and this is not disrespectful at all was that some of the stuff we were doing was stale. You know, we've had the same theme for 30 years or we've done it the same way for that many years, and so that's great perspective and it's really great direction for us to go. But actually implementing it that is the challenge. It's where do you start first? So, making that priority list, the first year it was all internal. If I'm being honest, you didn't see much of an outward change. It was that internal looking at our policies and procedures, looking at our staff, trying to understand what makes sense for us having part-time people, having people work remotely, what does that do to the outward-facing front of the chamber and so in that first year we did a lot of switching around internally, getting used to each other. I mean, everyone has their leadership style and mine was certainly different than the you know, the presidents before me, and not better, but just different, and the team has to adjust to that because it's not like you know, you bring in all you know, all your old staff with you when you come, you adjust and so I think, getting to know how each of us operate and for me it's really understanding the team. So it was that first year was all internal and then, as we started looking and we improved our efficiencies internally, improved processes, we started to say what are some of those outward facing things that we can make a change to Believe it or not? One of the things we heard most was gosh, our inbox gets just inundated with chamber information. So it may be a time or two, but so one of the things we've looked to do is limit that, still get all the information out, but it doesn't have to come out in five emails, right, it can come out in one at the beginning of the week that lists all the options for the week or for the next two weeks, and so kind of taking a look at that, because when we're not able to be in someone's inbox then they don't get the important information that comes out. And so for us it was trying to limit that so that people allow us back in the inbox, and that's one thing that we've asked on a regular let us back in and we promise not to overload you, but there's lots of great information to share. So I do want to say that Our businesses are tremendous. We have over 600 businesses in the chamber here in Marion, which is rather large for a rural community. So we do pride ourselves in that, and so we want to be able to share the good news that each of them have to offer. And the way that we do that is through those email exclusives, so it is important that people be able to get those. So that was an outward change.
Speaker 1:And then the biggest thing for me was taking a look. We used to call them our big picture initiatives. To me, words matter that's something that I probably overanalyze all the time but an initiative to me says I have the control to make whatever I've said is going to happen happen, and most of the things that were initiatives of ours. We as the chamber couldn't move the needle alone. It was more about keeping our thumb on the pulse of something, reporting back, which is great. It was more about keeping our thumb on the pulse of something, reporting back, which is great. But if something doesn't happen, then how do we hold ourselves accountable if we can't move the needle? And so when we went into our retreat as we're planning for 2024, we called them our areas of focus. We did implement some things that we could move the needle on this year when we did that focus, but a lot of it was, yes, we do need to keep our thumb on the pulse, but do we go sit at that table? Where do we have a place? And so I've gotten more involved with those areas of focus to make sure I'm at least at the table so that I have a voice for business.
Speaker 1:But I'm also hearing and understanding. I think you and I have maybe had this conversation before. I think miscommunication happens when you don't understand the process, and I think it is. Process is so important for all of us. I mean, take the chamber, for example. If people didn't realize part of my process was that internal look first they'd say, gosh, what's Heidi doing over there in that new role? But it's important to know the process. That was step one of maybe step five or whatever that looks like. And so for us, taking a look at where we're headed and what we're going to do is important, and it is important again to gauge what's happening.
Speaker 1:But then what can we do? And so one of the things I say, back to basics, is what we looked at. The core of what we do as our businesses and building relationships with them should be really the center of everything that moves us going forward. And so one of those areas of focus was spending more one-on-one time with our businesses, and we brought in a new member relations coordinator this year and she set a goal for herself to meet personally, one-on-one with 100 businesses. From February, when she started with us, until December and gosh early November, she'd already met with over 120 businesses one-on-one to sit down and have a conversation. So we're able to measure that Are we doing our job? Are we connecting with the businesses that we serve? What could we do more of to support them? And so that was really important for us to have an area of focus that really gets the team involved instead of just measuring everybody else's success in the community.
Speaker 2:Yeah, those are really great and I think that a lot of what you did then, what was met with, a lot Because you got that information first and you started with listening. But I know that not everything was popular with everyone. You know, when you initiated a change and maybe some members were not happy with that change, how did you go about those situations and kind of leading through when the feedback was challenging?
Speaker 1:Yes, well, one of the things at first is I thanked them for the feedback. That's the only way that we can learn and grow, and so, whether it's good, bad or ugly, we want to hear it. And I did get a few things, I mean, and they were small things that we didn't think would have sort of some of the pushback, one being our directory, which is a strange thing, but that opened up a conversation to lead into more about kind of some underlying things that someone you know wanted to learn or know about the chamber. But you know, I welcome it all and I think that was dealing with the challenge was saying, I hear that and you know Rome wasn't built in a day, so I can't guarantee that I'm going to change to all the suggestions that you've had, but they will certainly be something that I consider as we look to, you know, gauge how we did with this change come this time next year and, you know, just letting people again, kind of informing them on the process.
Speaker 1:We had to make a change right, because it wasn't working the way that it was before, because that was what someone said. Well, why did you make this change? It wasn't working the way that it was before, because that was what someone said Well, why did you make this change? It was fine the way it was and I said to you it was fine, but to the next person that I had a conversation with it wasn't fine.
Speaker 1:So, really trying to find that middle ground, what works because we'll never please everybody, right, but if we're listening and we're using that honest feedback to really shape what we do, I think that's fair and I think that's one of the things that we can share with folks is this will go back in the hopper as we're looking at things for next year and we'll certainly take that into consideration. But I think, just being honest and transparent when it comes to challenges, I mean, I think that's where I'm always. You know and I may, and if I don't hit the mark, I'll say it. Right, if it didn't work the way it should, um, then we'll say that and we'll go back to the drawing board.
Speaker 2:But I think just being able to be honest and just tell them, tell them the truth, yeah, yeah, yeah, I think that, uh, there's a lot of value there, that that you shared in terms of being able to lead through that change, receive the feedback and you're right, if people care enough to give feedback, that's a gift. And so it's sometimes hard to receive that gift because sometimes it's not packaged very nicely. But, as leaders, that is part of our job to receive feedback about our business or organization and then be able to respond. Sometimes that's saying we're going to make a change because you gave us this feedback. And sometimes that's going back to the team and talking through it and then saying, well, we received this feedback, but we're still not going to make a change because we feel strongly that our vision is leading us elsewhere. Or we have 99% of our members that are are pleased with this change, and so we feel affirmed in making it, even though we do have a small percentage of people that are not in agreement. So yes.
Speaker 2:And being honest and transparent to tell people like, hey, you know we may not, we're probably going to stick with this change for a while and see how it goes. But you know we do hear you and so often that's what people want right, absolutely. They just want to be heard. They want to know that you sincerely care about their feelings and their feedback, and often they will come around with some time if you give them that opportunity.
Speaker 1:Yes, I would agree with that and I think, too, a big part is, when someone typically calls and they're feeling a certain way, whatever that emotion is, discerning the emotion from the actual truth underneath it, and I think that's something that I always try to look at. If someone's mad or upset, something has triggered them to feel that way. So let me get to what the trigger was and let's see what we can do about that, moving forward and not be stuck on the act or the action of how it was, as you said, packaged right, because we do. I mean, we're human beings, we feel it and we see it and again, just listening.
Speaker 2:Yeah. So obviously I'm sure that listeners can tell from your responses that you've really grown as a leader through your career and have really been able to deal with some situations and have grown as a result and developed some maturity there. And I know that because we've known each other now for quite some time and have worked together in professional capacities. We've known each other now for quite some time and have worked together in professional capacities. So I'd love to rewind and kind of talk a little bit about what led you to this career ultimately, and just to hear your story. So share a little bit kind of where you grew up, how you grew up, how this winding road has brought you to where you are today.
Speaker 1:Sure Well, born and raised in Marion Ohio Lived here, my whole life, other than I left shortly to go to school in Toledo and then I came back. I wanted to come back to Marion. I loved growing up here. My parents were working class people. My dad worked for Fairfield Engineering and that's where he retired from and that was his first job after being in the military. So he comes back here, he works at Fairfield and I got to witness struggles there with working in a factory, working in a spot that you're kind of middle management there you don't have the full say and you're trying to get a team behind you and recognizing some of those struggles and I thought, well, middle management seems okay, but I don't know that I want to stay there and I started there right when I came back from school. I worked at Fay Bank, so another locally owned business.
Speaker 2:I worked there.
Speaker 1:That was my first job after college and then I moved into banking again. I was in banking for about seven years total and I really thought that would be where I stayed was in banking whether I become a vice president, a president, there in banking. I loved it. I like working with people, that's something that I love, and so being able to help people have a need filled by working with them and banking, that was something that I did. And then another opportunity came.
Speaker 1:I worked for a furniture company for 11 years and again thought I would stay there forever, you know, and I kind of worked my way up with that company. I had a lot of great mentors within that business. That really helped me say you know what your voice needs to be heard. Maybe let's try something different with you, okay, sure, so kind of go with the flow.
Speaker 1:And then I was there for 11 years and it started to get a little tricky because furniture business it is retail and those long hours and the different things, and you have staff that doesn't show up guess who has to show up? And that meant I had to cut out my family time and different things and I thought, gosh, and I'll say it was an answered prayer. To be honest, I had been working 60-plus hours a week, I had turnover within my sector and I just literally said the prayer Lord, if I'm supposed to stay here, give me peace and a purpose, and if I'm supposed to go somewhere else, will you please find me a job, because I don't have time to go? Look for one. It's just, I was so in it and literally a month later, I received a call from Teresa Ballinger on a Monday evening. I'd never met Teresa, thankfully, I think right At that point, right?
Speaker 2:yes, she's a judge.
Speaker 1:For those of you that don't know her, I had never met her and she was calling to talk to me about Bridges Out of Poverty. And I said I'm sorry, it was 9 o'clock on a Monday and I said why is the judge calling me at 9 o'clock? And she said I think I found your person and gave them my name.
Speaker 1:So again, that's God right that is divine intervention there, because little did I know that this would happen. And so she had talked to me about Bridges Out of Poverty, which I knew nothing about, and she said well, I'd love to meet with you and talk a little bit more about it. So I met with her and that led to some really great conversations about the work that Marian Matters was doing, and I decided to take a leap of faith. I said, okay, I don't know how much more clear that answered prayer could be. Right, someone's calling?
Speaker 2:me that job found you for sure?
Speaker 1:Yes, yes, and I do believe that was a calling for me for the time that I was there, and I was there just short of 10 years and I took an organization that really had I was a party of one. So when I was given the job, I got keys to an empty building and a laptop and no staff, and so I walked in.
Speaker 2:It was glamorous.
Speaker 1:at least it really was you know totally, and lots of mix match furniture and things like that. But you know, I walked in and I'm looking for all the things. I think I would need all the business information where we are as far as financials, because it was middle of the year when I started in 2013. And I couldn't find any of that stuff. So I'm making phone calls and, of course, finance is my background and that's what I did with banking and with the furniture company, and so I'm looking for these things and I said, well, what's the budget for this year? Well, there wasn't a budget and we were middle of the year and I thought, oh, what did I get myself into? Right? But we were able to come up with our budget that first year and it was small and I thought, gosh, that includes my salary too. We need to really start looking for different revenue streams. And so for 10 years, that's what we did. We built the organization and when I left, you know that first budget was very small and when I left, we had more than tripled the budget in a 10-year period and increased revenue streams, and really, I think that's what sort of led me to the path that I'm on.
Speaker 1:I wouldn't have met the people in the community that I met had I not gone to Marian Matters, had I not gone to Marian Matters and it was tough for me to leave because I had built that organization, I had built the team, we actually had people working for us. When I left, we were gifted a building which really spoke to the work that we were doing. A community partner, pillar Credit Union, really believed in that work and gifted a building to us. So we had our hub now, and when this opportunity came about, I hadn't planned on applying. I knew that it was there. I think I even went as far as to say in a public forum that whoever gets that job has really big shoes to fill, Because little did I know you know, a month later I would be sending in a resume.
Speaker 1:But I sent a resume in just because I guess the nominating committee had been talking about me and I hadn't applied and that was flattering for one that you know that would be happening. And so I sent a resume on a Sunday, just because I felt obligated at this point. You know, I got a call on Monday, had a first interview. Then it got real. It was like they were going to narrow it down and they were going to call some folks back when they had the top five that they wanted to choose from. I got a call Maybe it was a couple of weeks later. They had narrowed it down to two and I was one of them, and so I really said to my husband I didn't think it would get this far, but if I go for the second interview, just because of my personality, I want to nail it right.
Speaker 1:So do I really want to leave the work that I'm doing to go do something else? Mind you, a couple of years shy of 50 at that point too. So talk about change. Change is harder when you're older too. But I really got to again praying, because my faith is the center of everything that I do and really the clear message that I had was the work that I'm doing at Marian Matters.
Speaker 1:Moving into this role at the chamber would give me the opportunity to take all that that I've learned about what motivates people, what incentivizes people, and get that into the hands of the business community.
Speaker 1:I think understanding the demographic that works here in Marion, understanding some of those challenges not so that you can lower expectation, but you can meet people where they are and you can understand them a little bit better too.
Speaker 1:Not everyone is incentivized the same. So if in our business world we're trying to incentivize everybody the same way and you're not seeing results, we're trying to incentivize everybody the same way and you're not seeing results, there's a reason and I can help you with that. But it really was just a bigger platform for me to continue doing community work, and what I loved about Marian Matters is being able to sit at those tables to listen and hear what the challenges are, not just with the people we were serving but with our community as a whole, and by listening and being parts of those conversations. That really helped when I got into this role to say what are we doing currently and what could we change? Not just to help the businesses, which ultimately is our goal, but the people that work for our businesses, and I think that was a huge incentive for me was a different platform to continue doing work, maybe have a louder voice and hopefully be able to just share information that helps shape what happens going forward in Marion.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, yeah, and we first met during your time at Mary Matters I was a board member there for a spell and learned a lot about the organization and the good work. And again, not to go super deep on that, mary Matters serves really as an educator of people in poverty, helping to give them a hand up to educate their way out of those circumstances and then, as you said, to work then within the community with employers and others to help understand some of the mindsets of folks in different economic classes, socioeconomic classes and how people can bridge those gaps and learn. And it is fascinating the way that now you're able to add that perspective to the business community and the advocacy and education and discussions that you're part of today in that role. So it does seem like it's all really come together.
Speaker 1:It really does. And what I love is that in this, in this role, being able to have those conversations. One of the things with businesses that I've gotten the chance to talk about that no one has talked to them about before is looking at benefits packages. You know, we think if we offer that 401k and we offer the insurance, all of that's enough and everybody, and we're offering a decent wage, so everybody should come work here and there's nothing that we need to do to change right. But it's really saying look at those benefits packages, what might be appealing for one may not be for another.
Speaker 1:And you know we've talked about childcare being one of those pieces that could fit into a benefits package, where right now the Childcare Coalition in Marion, which I do sit on that leadership team for Childcare, transportation and Housing Coalition those are the three United Way-funded coalitions here in the community.
Speaker 1:But one of the things we're able to look at is a child care share that splits the cost of child care, whereas, you know, maybe someone who has ample resources and doesn't have to worry about that, your folks coming in, you know, maybe those entry level employees they might be more inclined to have someone help share the cost of child care versus you know, the insurance insurance benefit because maybe they qualify through the state to get insurance benefits at this time. But what they really need is help with child care and people were really surprised to find out that could be a benefit. Absolutely, because it incentivizes a certain part of your population. Not everyone is monetarily motivated, which sometimes doesn't seem to make sense, but if anyone understands the population that Marian Matters works with, a 50 cent raise could mean some of my benefits drop quicker than my wage could keep up. So safe and secure makes more sense to me, and so bringing that information to businesses has been extremely helpful. That's the feedback that I've gotten anyway.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, those are deep waters that we could get into with really digging into that work, but again, it's really meaningful and I was really impressed at my time being involved with Mary Matt, and still am to some extent, as are you to some extent you know, continuing to be a supporter and advocate for that work in the community and it's exciting to see that organization grow and I know that you left it in good hands there and are now able to to focus elsewhere, elsewhere with your time and energy.
Speaker 2:So I know that you're not an entrepreneur in the typical sense as some that we have on the show, but you certainly did outline some leaps that you took along your professional journey here. So I'd like to unpack those a little bit more as part of our leap segment here. So when you know you shared some detail about when you were considering taking this role at the chamber and tell us a little more about you know what was going on in your mind. I mean you kind of foreshadowed a little bit of the, the doubts and fears you had with. You know I'm a little, you know, am I too old to, you know, make a major career change and do I, you know, still have what it takes to really jump into a totally different organization and lead some change initiatives that we've spent some time talking about? And you know what were some more of those challenges that you've felt like you were up against, and then what ultimately helped you still take the leap, despite some of those fears and challenges.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I mean there were. I think in my mind there were probably. I was maybe naive to the challenges at first and then when it became real and I decided this might be something that I want to do, the political piece of this job is very much a challenge. I try to avoid politics as much as you can, but I mean any organization you work for in the nonprofit world there's some politics that go along with that. So I was used to that a little bit. But you know, coming into this role, that was, you know, my first day. Even I'm getting all of the state reps when I come meet and want to share and want to talk and I'm going, can I get my feet wet first. You know those sorts of things be as much of a challenge because I didn't really look at our chamber as a political arm in the community. Now, had I really thought about that, I would have seen that over the years that that has been a role that our chamber has played. But moving forward, that is something that we have as a board and as a team have looked at, trying to just really be a platform to hear all sides of any issue and not take a stance one way or another, unless it's blazingly clear that our stance would be beneficial to business. And we haven't had to do that in my two years yet. So that's a good thing. But that's been a little bit of a challenge, is kind of dealing with that.
Speaker 1:And then I think the biggest thing before going there, the challenge for me, and then I think the biggest thing before going there, the challenge for me was and I think you hit the nail on the head is am I still clear enough? Am I still fresh enough? Am I still do I have the energy you know that I had for the 10 years that I worked at Marian Matters and as I thought about that truthfully, I almost thought about staying where I was because I'm like I just don't know. I'm getting closer to 50, and not that 50 is a death sentence or anything like that, but our minds. But for me and this is having conversation with my husband he said, heidi, you're always up for a good challenge. He said you never limit yourself, you always try to learn and you always try to get better. And he said I think this would be great for you and having someone who knows you so well really gives you that little extra push. So I think for me it was just hearing my husband say don't sell yourself short, you can do this. And you know he was right, I can do this. Is it scary someday? Still, absolutely, look, I'd be lying if I said otherwise.
Speaker 1:But you know, for me I'm just, I'm one of those. I'm a lifelong learner. I just want to tap into things, I want to learn and understand, and I think that was the biggest piece for me is understanding all the different facets of chamber work and I'm still learning. You know, two years in and I still have lots to learn. But I've learned so much with just the time that I've been there. And but at the the end of the day, I think the core of everything is still relationship. And if you can sit down and build relationship, you can pretty much do anything in your community. And I think that's kind of taking that piece of it. And you know I love people, I love to hear people's stories. I think that's really helped. So for me those would be.
Speaker 2:I think my challenges was just that self-doubt component was bigger than anything. I think, yeah, and ultimately, what helped you overcome that was just the encouragement from your husband. Was there others as well that you kind of shared this with and they encouraged you to take the leap despite some of those headwinds?
Speaker 1:Yes, certainly mentors that I have Terry Ballinger is one of those mentors, john Shank both of them I still to this day I call them and they're that person who said I say, does this sound crazy? Or what does this look like? And when I talked to them about it, ultimately it meant I was leaving an organization that they were very active with and I had taken sort of a vision that Terry had and I put it into action. And so I know I knew that that was going to be a tough conversation to have, but they actually encouraged me. They said you know, I think you would do great in that role and kind of hearing your mentors say that, even though it's great when your husband says it or your spouse says it, but having mentors that you've worked under for all those years say I think you'd be great in that role and you bring a different perspective.
Speaker 1:That probably was that extra little push that I needed to say, if they're okay with this and they think that this is something that I could have impact in because that's the other piece Could I have impact in that role? And I think anything that I do, I want to do it with purpose. I don't want to just willy-nilly do something and see how it goes, and I want to be real about the impact that I can have. And I think they helped me see that I could have impact and I think that's what I needed to hear.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, I love that. So we talked a lot about the challenges through all of this and the change, but you started to talk a little bit about the impact that you hope to have and now, almost two years in, do you feel like you've been able to have that and you know what are some of the joys that have come with the role and being able to have an impact through this role? Can you share some of those? Sure?
Speaker 1:Well, I have had small impacts, I think at this point. Making some of the changes that we've had and hearing businesses come back and say we see a new vibe with the chamber, it's a lot more fresh, is what we've heard and it is it's giving me relevant information that I need and so that kind of checks that box, relevant and impactful right. And so I think just hearing from people that we're going in the right direction has been certainly encouraging and makes me happy, because behind the scenes you're like is this working or isn't it? And to hear people say we really liked the change that you've implemented with, I mean with the councils, with some of our events and just the overall feel in our office. People say they come in, they genuinely feel welcomed and their ideas are encouraged and they love that, which is what we're supposed to be doing. And so I think that has been very joyful to see and just hear people see, because of the chamber, I was able to make this connection and it saved my business money or it gave me that connection. I needed to grow with an expansion. You know, being able to make those connections.
Speaker 1:I think ultimately, my hope is this last area of focus that we had on the role for 2024 was to work with the city and the county to develop a comprehensive plan for the community, which would obviously include businesses, it includes our government entities and it includes the citizens of Marion, and I think that's really those three ingredients I think are just where we need to be headed. I mean, one of the things with the comprehensive plan and this is something that I've shared when speaking with the mayor, when speaking with county commissioners, and obviously can do is you know, we're at this turning point in Marion. There's been so much momentum moving us forward over the last several years and I said what I don't want to see historically in Marion we will ride a momentum train until it hits a wall and then we didn't create a plan. And once it hits the wall and the momentum stops, the wheels fall off a little bit right. So what I think this comprehensive plan does it allows us to look at the momentum sort of ride that train but plan for when this train starts coming to a halt. What train do we jump on to keep us moving forward? And I think it helps us identify who we are today, who we want to be in the next five years, and hear from the folks in Marion I think you know you have gone through this, I know I have Perception is reality.
Speaker 1:Whatever people perceive it to be is the reality that you have to deal with, no matter if you can tell them it's not true, you can show them it's not true. You can show them it's not true. But if that's truly what they believe and see, that's your reality. And I think one of the biggest advantages to listening is really helping us take into consideration those thoughts and feelings of others but not just people who are like me and you, people who maybe don't see the positives in Marion. How can we hear from them, understand what they're seeing and what they're perceiving, to put in the work to change that?
Speaker 1:I think that's ultimately what it's up to. And then you know we're wanting people to come and invest in our community and we as a city and county, we haven't invested in ourselves. I think this plan makes it very clear we invest in ourselves, we say who we want to be and if folks fit into the plan of where we're going, we invite them to come. And the other piece of that and this is what I've shared in those conversations too is it's okay to say you don't fit in the plan. Not everybody fits in the plan and that's not cutting ourselves off at the knee, that's just saying we're very clear on who we are and what comes into our community. And I think for me, if we can get this accomplished, I think this would just be a great win for everybody, not just the chamber but all business and all community members and local government. If we can really embrace what everyone in the community thinks about the community and then make plans to change perception.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and there's a lot to be said for doing that when things are going well.
Speaker 2:You know, I've heard the saying that if you can't say why things are going well when they are, it's almost impossible to fix them when they're not. And so doing a plan for the future while things are going well and while there's great momentum allows us to hopefully have a different perspective than if and when the train comes screeching to a halt and now it's like oh, how do we get this going again? And starting from a dead stop is pretty challenging.
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:And I know that I'm excited and I think you are too in terms of just the freshness of leadership in a lot of our prominent organizations in the community. Prominent organizations in the community. So, you know city, government and nonprofits and obviously you know you at the chamber and others that are bringing some fresh ideas and some listening ears and some initiatives to drive things forward. You know what are you, what is your perception you know, is that accurate and what are you excited about for the future in that regard?
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. I couldn't have said it better. As far as leadership goes, it really is great to change leadership up. I think we all get blinders on in the work that we do and it doesn't make someone necessarily a bad leader. We just kind of get stuck in a routine and I think shaking things up really helps. Again, it does bring different perspectives into each of the roles.
Speaker 1:If you were to look at leadership in Marian, not everyone had a traditional path to their leadership role and I think that's a good thing. I mean, I think our experiences give us character, they give us some resilience and then we're able to step into a role and look at it from a nontraditional lens. And I think that's what I'm really excited about to see all the new leadership use their lens to help direct where we go. And I think the momentum with our downtown we've talked about this plenty. The downtown is the core of your community and for so many years we lacked that in Marion and I think part of that was a momentum train that left. The downtown is the core of your community and for so many years we lacked that in Marion and I think part of that was a momentum train that left and now we're seeing the train circle back and people saying we want an active and thriving downtown. We don't want to have to go on the outskirts to get the things that we need or see the things that we want to see. And so I think, for me, I'm just excited that we've got people in places who are really, I guess, passionate about the community, not just their role in general, but the community overall, and I think that's something that we've lacked for a long time.
Speaker 1:It's one thing to be passionate about what you do, but to be passionate on a larger scale, to see where what I do feeds into a larger picture, and I think that's what we're seeing with leadership now. They're more of a big picture viewer and they can see where their part fits into the whole, and I think I'm most excited about that. I mean, and we've seen change even in the first year with some of these leaders in their spots, we've seen some change and we've witnessed that. So it's not just lip service, it's actually the doing part. And I think you know, for years, when I was in my role at Marian Matters, we did get lip service on a lot of those things and it was like when is someone going to do something. You know it's one thing to say it needs to be done. I always used to say we'd like to admire our problems in our community, but instead we're actively doing something, and I think that's what I'm most excited about. We're not afraid to try even if we fail, then we check that off the list.
Speaker 1:You know, and I think part of being successful is knowing what wasn't successful, so you don't repeat it, right, and so I think that that is something that I'm really excited about.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah and, I think, bring up a really great point again, whether we're speaking of small businesses or other organizations, where sometimes we just have to try stuff, we just have to make a move, and then we can pivot, we can change direction, we can stop, we can learn from a failure or something that didn't go quite as well as what we expected, but we've got to make a move. Something didn't go quite as well as what we expected, but we've got to make a move, and I think that it is an important part of leadership to be willing to take that risk. Because it is risky, you know, because it's we could consume resources, we could be criticized.
Speaker 2:All of the above when we make those moves, but if we don't, man, I think the consequences are way worse to just stay in a stagnant and stale situation where there isn't progress being made.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. I would agree with that yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so when we have multiple organizations that are not only making moves but also making moves in the same direction, you know that's powerful.
Speaker 1:It is and.
Speaker 2:I agree that I'm excited for that and hopefully we do keep learning from things that are going well and not going well and pivoting, and staying in close communication, giving and receiving feedback and really keeping the vision and the future for Marion in our focus.
Speaker 1:Yes, that's what I'm excited for too. Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 2:So, wow, we've covered a lot of ground here and I feel like not all that much time, but I loved hearing your story. There were some bits and pieces there that I had not heard before and do agree that it's just poised you for your current season and I'm excited for continued progress for the chamber and just the changes and initiatives that you're working on. And I know, going into a new year, there's going to be some new initiatives and changes coming, and I'm sure you're not going to unveil those just yet, so I won't put you on the spot and try to make you, but I know that you and your board are having conversations about what the next iteration looks like and that's really exciting going into your third year.
Speaker 1:Yes, and I will say this, the biggest change will come at our annual meeting. So I do want to say that we're absolutely changing the venue. So, again, we're listening. A lot of people said it's a long time to stand, and I agree it is a long time to stand. So we'll be having our annual meeting at the May Pavilion this year, and some new things are business awards. We're listening again. Right, we heard that. So this year we will have businesses recognized small business, large business, nonprofit corporate I don't remember what the name of that one is, but it's corporate partners.
Speaker 1:Yes, and then we'll also give awards for our ambassadors two of the year, so that's something new, so folks can nominate businesses in those categories and we're looking forward to really honoring those who really give us a job right. Without the Corps being our members, we don't have jobs, and so we want to honor the hard work of all the businesses that really make Marion the successful place to live, work and play.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think that's a cool move and I've seen that in other communities and I do think that it's just another opportunity to shine a positive light on people that are doing stuff and that they're, you know, out there trying and working and grinding to create jobs and just make our community unique and what it is. So that's exciting. I'm really excited to see those awards in this year and I assume that'll be here to stay for a while, so lots of positive news that'll be coming out of those meetings as we go forward, so yeah that's exciting, okay, so the last question here I like to share.
Speaker 2:You mentioned you're a lifelong learner, as am I and many that listen. Is there a particular educational or inspirational resource that you've found a current book or podcast or video that's either helped you along the way or something that's really on your radar right now that you feel like is helping you out?
Speaker 1:Well, I do. I read lots of books, and so Race for Relevance was a book that really resonated with me, and you've heard me use the word relevant. It really broke things down from that perspective of be purposeful, do things with relevance, not just do anything but really take a look at things and stay relevant in the work that you're doing. So that's a book that I love, but I listen to a daily podcast. It is faith-based, but Terry Savelle Foy has an amazing podcast that is part of my morning routine.
Speaker 1:I always heard successful people have a routine, and so that is something that I've made a priority for the last I don't know 15 years is to have a routine, and so that is something that I've made a priority for the last I don't know 15 years is to have a morning routine that doesn't include just jumping up and hopping in the shower, but taking some time to think before the rush of the day starts, and so that podcast feeds me in the morning. It gives me that word that I need, but it's so practical. It's using scripture to really be able to implement in your day-to-day life. So that is sort of my daily feeding is on that podcast.
Speaker 2:Okay, both very good and neither that I'm familiar with. So thank you for sharing those resources for me and our listeners. So, yeah, so if people are just you know, they learn something new about you. They want to connect, they want to become a chamber member. How do they connect with you? How can they follow along with upcoming events and educational things and all of that that you have going on at the chamber?
Speaker 1:Sure, well, I mean, obviously they can stop by the office anytime. We're located in the Harding Center on the first floor. But we do have a social media presence with the chamber on Facebook right now. We're looking at Instagram as well. I do believe some of the I think we have LinkedIn, but it hasn't been active. So we're looking at do we reactivate that going into the year? But we have a website, marinariachamberorg or an email If people want to email. My email is long but it's hjones at marinerachamberorg. Send an email. I'd be happy to hear from anybody and share anything that they want to know.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay. Well, thanks so much once again, heidi. It's been great learning more about the Chamber and you and the future, and the future is bright. We're excited and appreciate being aligned with you on making the community better place. So thanks again for being here.
Speaker 1:Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Thanks for listening to the main street re-imagined podcast. To learn more about main street re-imagined Henry development group or our work in downtown Marion, ohio, please visit main street reReimaginecom If you want to connect or if you know someone who we need to interview. Shoot us an email at info at MainStreetReimaginecom. Until next time, keep dreaming and don't be afraid to take the leap.