When is a Hammer not a Hammer

My grandfather was a cabinet maker, and shortly after his funeral we went through
his shop to decide what to do with all of his tools.   He had a
building full of every kind of tool you could imagine.  As we were going
through the shop, I was reminded of a conversation with my grandfather when I
was probably nine or ten, I asked my grandfather which tool was the most
important.  He didn't even hesitate.  He quickly grumbled "my
hammer, that's why I wear it right here on my belt.  I always keep my
hammer close."   I realized then and better understand now that
my grandfather valued his hammer over all the expensive drills and saws because
he used the hammer the most. The value of the hammer was tied to its
use.    

So, when is a hammer not a hammer?  The answer: when the hammer isn't used.  
What's the value of a tool that doesn't get used? Nothing. Much like a
tool in a tool box, your Chamber membership is much more valuable when it is
used.  The Chamber offers you an entire tool box to use along with a host
of other resources.  In an effort to encourage more members to use the
tools available and get maximum value from their membership, we are kicking off
two initiatives starting immediately.

The first we are calling the "Stump your Chamber Challenge."   The Chamber
is an informational hub that stretches over the entire county.  Our goal
is to be the "go to" organization to answer business and community
questions.  All you need to do is call us when you have a question.
 We then have 24 hours to provide an answer or YOU GET A REFUND OF YOUR
DUES!  If we do answer the question then we ask you to pledge to
recruit another member.  Win-win, that's a pretty good deal.   

The second initiative is "Connect 4."  The Chamber is connected to more than 700 local businesses. Every
business person needs to meet new people, make new contacts, and discover new
prospects. The Chamber can help.  Any Chamber member can provide a list of
four chamber members or representative or employee of our local governments
that they would like to connect with; we will make an introduction and attempt
to facilitate an opportunity to meet.  Simple enough.

Some of our members already take full advantage of their membership, while others never
open the tool box.  These two initiatives are intended to introduce all
our members to more of the tools available through the chamber. When you find
yourself reaching for a butter knife instead of a screwdriver, remember that
the few extra seconds to choose the right tool actually saves you time.  That
is what the chamber is here for, to save you time, make your life easier,
facilitate your business.  The chamber is here to help, and we are very
capable of helping.  Put us to the test!

You pay us to work for you, put us to work, and make us earn our money!