Althea Geiser Named Chamber President

WOW!!—Little could I have imagined that a number of years ago when I volunteered to be a Chamber Ambassador that it would lead me down this path. I couldn’t be more proud or happy to take this next step and represent the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce as your President.

As you have heard, this evening we have been recognizing our volunteers. Volunteerism, as defined by Wikipedia, is the practice of people working on behalf of others, or for a particular cause, without payment for their time or services. What better way is there to connect with your community and give something back?

But people also volunteer because they want to make new friends, increase their self-confidence, or want to make a difference. 98% of the work completed by the chamber is done with the help of volunteers. The Chamber would find it difficult to carry on our day-to-day business without all of these people who give so much of themselves.
I can remember a number of years back a comment was made that the average volunteer stays three years before they experience burnout. That is why we are always looking for more individuals to get involved.

This is one job where we won’t need your resume and you won’t be told you are over-qualified. You will not be turned away. We have been blessed and very fortunate that many of our volunteers have been with us for quite a long time, and we hope that continues. We need you…you are important to us.

You, as volunteers, are much like the puzzle pieces on the tables tonight. Each of you is unique in your own way. You all have different areas of interest and skills, and like those puzzle pieces, there is a specific place where you will find a perfect fit.

So, as I begin my year, I look forward to working with you as we continue to fit all of our puzzle pieces together so that our chamber continues to exemplify the complete picture. Thank you.