Positively Passionate People

During lunch with a group recently someone
used the phrase "Positively Passionate People". That phrase made me
reflect on the various types of people that are found in a community. Much like
a play, people play various roles in a community. Every community, including
Georgetown, has its characters. Some characters play the role of a hero and
some enjoy playing the villain. There are those characters, whether they know
it or not, that serve as comedic relief.   Every community regardless
of size or demographics has its cast of characters and we certainly have ours.

If asked, most would admit to wanting to be a
hero, but what does it take to be a hero? What does it mean to be the hero?
Well, the primary definition is "a person of distinguished courage or
ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities". As I
read that definition, something seems to be lacking.

What is missing from the definition? The
definition refers to "brave deeds", but what kind of brave deeds does
a hero have to perform? When I think of a hero, I think of a person coming to
the rescue or "swooping in" to save the day. The hero is there to
right the wrong and make sure the story has a happy ending. Obviously in real
life, we don't always have a happy ending, but the heroes are still dedicated
to working towards one.

The Chamber is looking for heroes. We are
looking for people that see a problem and want to be a part of the solution.
Remember the earlier definition; heroes are "admired for their brave deeds".
Actions define a hero.   A person is only considered a hero once they
do something to create a good outcome from a bad situation. A person that sees
a problem and doesn't act cannot be a hero. Back to the "Postively
Passionate People" phrase from lunch.   These Positively
Passionate People are those people that see a problem and, at least, offer a
solution.   It is easy to point out problems, and leave the solutions
to someone else. 

The Chamber of Commerce is putting together a
new production and we ask that you consider this your casting call. This call
is only for heroes (or those that aspire to be heroes) and "Positively
Passionate People" who want to make a difference in our community. Do not
respond if you can only identify a problem because we are looking for people
that are willing to help find solutions. We need people that are willing to
participate in the process. None of us have all the answers, but working
together, we can build a better Georgetown County.

If you are a positively passionate person and
have a passion or expertise in any of the following please respond. The areas
are:

1. Job Creation and Economic Development

2. Workforce Development and Education

3. Infrastructure

4. Overall Quality of Life

We need people of action. People that want to
make a difference.  If interested, please respond to btucker@visitgeorge.com or
call (843) 546-8436 and let us know how you would like to help.

Ernest Hemingway once said "As you get older it is harder to have
heroes, but it is sort of necessary".

Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to
become heroes over night. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes
up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the
strength to stare it down. - Eleanor
Roosevelt