Episode 5 - Jennifer McCurdy.mp3
Speaker1: [00:00:01] What does it mean to be completely healthy? Welcome to the podcast, where you'll find encouraging stories to help us focus on all layers of our health the mental, the physical, the [00:00:15] emotional, the spiritual. I'm Monica Patton. And these are the parts of us. Today, we're joined by Jennifer McCurdy, the executive director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, [00:00:30] as we discuss the importance of networking with local businesses and how to get involved in the community through the chamber and civic organizations. Jennifer and I also take a look at our own friendship the benefits of finding your people and fostering [00:00:45] friendships. Jen, welcome.

Speaker2: [00:00:53] Monica, thank you so much for having me.

Speaker1: [00:00:56] I'm really excited about this. We have been talking about it for [00:01:00] I don't know how long.

Speaker2: [00:01:01] A couple of years maybe.

Speaker1: [00:01:02] For sure. Before I even started.

Speaker2: [00:01:04] I know I'm proud of you with your podcast.

Speaker1: [00:01:06] I love it you. Thank you. And look, I have to thank you right now, not just what you said, but for encouraging me. You are one of the first [00:01:15] people that I told and. You're a dreamer. I'm a dreamer. And you were totally behind me, and I think you saw it. And I'm just thankful that you believed in it.

Speaker2: [00:01:27] Yeah, but you know what? You're also a doer. So there you go. A dreamer [00:01:30] and a doer. Rare.

Speaker1: [00:01:31] That's key, right?

Speaker2: [00:01:33] Yep.

Speaker1: [00:01:34] Well, I'm glad you're here and we've got lots to talk about. But one thing I definitely want to mention. Perfect, perfect timing to be [00:01:45] recording this with you is today is International Women's Day.

Speaker2: [00:01:48] That's right.

Speaker1: [00:01:50] Tell me what you think about that.

Speaker2: [00:01:51] Oh, my gosh. I mean, most people that know me know, you know, girl power. I love it. I think women, we should lift each other up, [00:02:00] always be each other's biggest supporters. And oftentimes we don't do that. You know, jealousy, I think, comes into play a lot. And it's hard sometimes to see people doing things, succeed when maybe you're not and you're thinking maybe, [00:02:15] hey, I need to step it up and and do a little better myself. But I think today's the day. We should all turn those thoughts around and say, I'm going to support my fellow women. We're going to continue to strive and do better and step up. I [00:02:30] mean, we already do so much. We're multi-taskers at everything we do. We work. We raise children. We carry the weight of the whole family on our shoulders. So I know there's you're probably thinking, what more could I carry? But [00:02:45] let's be game changers. We can do other things. There's more to do. And we can maybe have our spouse or our partner step up and help a little more.

Speaker1: [00:02:54] Absolutely. And men have their role. Look, look, just because we're celebrating the woman doesn't mean we're anti [00:03:00] men. We love men. We're married to a man. We have men, friends. But women are special and just for many reasons in particular, like you just mentioned. We tend we're we're gifted typically at multitasking. We are [00:03:15] carrying so many roles. We're the heart of the family, which is why we need to be supporting one another, because it is a hard role to be in no matter what your what your life looks like. Do you agree?

Speaker2: [00:03:27] I agree 100%. And even if you're not like I'll say [00:03:30] this, I stayed home with my children for a while. People think, stay at home moms have it easy. If you haven't done it when you've done it, I'm telling you, that's the hardest job I've ever had. So to me, that's like your job, 24/7. [00:03:45] You never get a reprieve from it, ever. So those women who are who chose to stay home with their children, kudos to you. And please show them lots of respect, because that is a very, very tough job.

Speaker1: [00:03:57] Well, motherhood is tough no matter how how you [00:04:00] slice and dice it. But it's it's a it's beautiful and hard all rolled into one.

Speaker2: [00:04:05] It is. It is. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Speaker1: [00:04:09] Okay. Well, that's that's exciting. And I just love that. I thought, gosh, she's [00:04:15] my woman power friend. I know you have a real heart for women, women in business in particular, given your role. So you as the director of the Chamber of Commerce of Fort Payne. Tell [00:04:30] us, first of all, you know, some people are not even familiar. You hear of the chamber, what does that mean? What is your role? Tell us what you do in the community.

Speaker2: [00:04:40] Okay, well, for the assay for a chamber of commerce, typically we are your business [00:04:45] partner, your resource center. We like to help current businesses. We want all of our businesses to succeed in our area. So of course we are a resource for them. We like to bring in new industry and you know, our industry, that would be the economic [00:05:00] development, but more retail commercial type things for growth within our community. And I, I love community development. I think more than anything to just connecting our community, our people in our community with industries, businesses, whether [00:05:15] it's things for people to do to see. That's kind of what I consider ourselves, the connector of people in our community and resources. Really, when I started looking at being the director for the Chamber of Commerce, I [00:05:30] thought just from an outside, you know, you really don't know what someone does until you're in the crest of it. Well, I thought that looked like something that I would enjoy doing. Well, when I started at the chamber, I'm on my fifth year, I was pleasantly [00:05:45] surprised. It is perfect for me.

Speaker2: [00:05:47] I love it. I'm able to constantly talk with people on a daily basis and networking more than anything is something that's near and dear to my soul. It's just good for me. It feeds my soul being able [00:06:00] to one on one talk with people, even talk with people in a group setting and hopefully provide some information to them that maybe they didn't have before they met me or came to the chamber. Those things are super important to me and I just love it. I think Chambers [00:06:15] could be a little underestimated in some sense, but I think it's more because people don't understand kind of all that we can do for them. And it's not just about ribbon cuttings, which is super important, that exposure you get through [00:06:30] ribbon cuttings, and it's about networking too, and coming to events and utilizing all of our services and being receptive to help basically, and and to meeting people and getting in front of people and saying, hey, here's what [00:06:45] I do, how can I help you? And here, here's how maybe you can help me.

Speaker1: [00:06:49] Well, I think you are very gifted at networking. And just your your natural ability makes you so good at this job, which is so necessary for what [00:07:00] you do. And it's good that you enjoy it because, like you said, networking, being around people, connecting people, you're really good at that naturally. I know that in your personal life you are. So you have brought that to the professional world at [00:07:15] the chamber. And I will say I haven't always been familiar with the chamber and maybe I just understand more about it since we've been friends, but I feel like you've really made this chamber flourish within our community. You brought some things to the forefront that, you know, just some new ideas. You're creative. [00:07:30] And I just appreciate. I think it's I think it's really you've done a really good job. And there's things that happen behind the scenes that, like you said, we don't all know about. We see the ribbon cutting. But you I think you're doing a really good job getting people together. [00:07:45] And and it's all about you. You hear this, but it's all about who you know. And networking is so important, don't you think?

Speaker2: [00:07:53] Oh, my goodness. 100%. I mean, being a chamber member, I feel like it's important to, and especially for taking advantage of [00:08:00] all the resources we have and are coming to our events. But I think there are times when it's face to face that matters. A lot of times you're in a meeting with someone and you're able to share what your business does, and they didn't know that before, and maybe they [00:08:15] start using you for something for your service or purchasing products from you. That happens a lot more than you would think. And people obviously, if you meet someone face to face, you have that connection with them. You feel more comfortable using [00:08:30] them or going to them versus. I love social media. I promote a lot of things through social media for Chamber of Commerce, but knowing someone is a big difference than just seeing what they have online. So that's to me, [00:08:45] huge. And I tell you, COVID hurt us the last couple of years because we weren't able to network as much as normal. So we are so excited to finally be able to open our doors again to networking. We did somewhat and we tried [00:09:00] online with Zoom calls and meetings. We just did not have the turnout that I had hoped for, for that. And now we did from a from my perspective, as far as like meetings, webinars and meetings, learning opportunities. [00:09:15] But on a local level, we did not have that. So I think two years kind of we lost a little bit of our networking there. But we're ready. We're getting back into the swing of things.

Speaker1: [00:09:27] I'm glad you brought up the face to face because that was something that [00:09:30] I want to talk to you about. I just know when, like you said, the past couple of years and we we had I think we all for different reasons, had to resort to technology and thankful that we had that option. Yes. And it's definitely a good resource, but. So as [00:09:45] a business leader, in looking at how your contacts with other businesses, do you think? That's pretty much what everybody found that. Even though technology is great and online is a [00:10:00] good option, but it doesn't beat the personal in real time face to face connection, does it?

Speaker2: [00:10:07] No, 100%. It does not. I mean, even in general, for for larger conferences, while we did attend them [00:10:15] online, we recently I wanted to attend an EDA conference. The best thing from that conference for me was the networking and the contacts I made sitting around having breakfast with people or talking at the reception. [00:10:30] Exchanging business cards. You hear people talking about things in your like, Oh, my goodness. That's a project that I want to get involved in. You know, going up to that person. Hey, how did that get started? What did you do? What were some of the steps you took? You don't hear any of those [00:10:45] side conversations or sit around tables with people online. So for me, that was instrumental. I mean, those are the conferences I come back from fired up because because of the people I meet there. And the same goes with the chamber. I mean, when you come to a business and breakfast [00:11:00] or after hours, hopefully you're making contacts with people and learning things and improving your business or your network system, and it helps you in the long run and you'll be fired up and want to move forward, [00:11:15] forward in your endeavors.

Speaker1: [00:11:16] So I think that's really good advice for, especially new business leaders, and even I would say people need to town that come in here whether, you know, specifically, you know, [00:11:30] talking about the chamber, you know, businesses and that is your connection. But I think that's really good advice for anyone moving into a new space is you've got to put yourself out there. Yes. You have got to go some advance, be it community, church, [00:11:45] school, whatever it is, is getting outside of your comfort zone, meeting new people, making face to face. What about what some advice that you would say to your introverted friends that are not so comfortable [00:12:00] with, you know, because you are so good at that because you love it. People people give you energy. But what about the people that it doesn't like? What advice would you say to them? Do they still need to do it? Or it might be just not the same?

Speaker2: [00:12:13] I would say find an [00:12:15] extrovert friend and tag along. I like that. Right. Yeah. But usually in a business setting, I mean, there are some businesses where you're solo, but typically you'll have some people that work with you. And of those people, probably [00:12:30] there's somebody there that's an extrovert and enjoys socialization. Let them go to your events for you. Send them in your place and say, Hey, represent our company today. I think a lot of that would even empower maybe your employees to feel a little more confident and [00:12:45] have a little more ownership in what they're doing. If you felt confident enough to send them in your place to represent you at certain functions if you couldn't make it.

Speaker1: [00:12:53] I think that's a great idea. Yeah. Because that goes back to we have people in our lives that we're just [00:13:00] we're all gifted at different things and some things come more natural, come easier. So bring that friend along that loves to social events or just send them. Yeah. And represent me.

Speaker2: [00:13:11] Represent me, you know, let me know what I need to do afterwards. Let me have the follow [00:13:15] up. There are a lot of people are behind the scenes and you need those people for sure, because a lot of times the people out front and I might be guilty of this at some point in my life or a lot of times maybe you are real social, but maybe the follow through gets you just a little bit. [00:13:30] So you need those. Everybody has a role. You're right.

Speaker1: [00:13:32] Everybody has a role. Mm hmm. Absolutely. So that so we're talking more professionally and what you did professionally. I have to tell you that you are an amazing friend. [00:13:45] And the reason I say that what makes you so good professional, makes you good personally is I can speak to you as far as you are just a good in real life friend. You are that person that shows up. You are that person that shows up to the events, even if it is not a good event, even [00:14:00] if it's a funeral or you're sick like you're the person that brings the mea. You know, I think everybody's not good at that. And, you know, thinking about right now, I'm actually reading a book about friendship. I just think [00:14:15] that people are struggling with coming out especially these past couple of years and friendship and being lonely, being around others. We've lost that ability to do that as much and people still are not comfortable and [00:14:30] there's reasons for it, you know. Why do we need good friends? Why do we need to show up? Why is it so important to have that village around you? Not just not just social media. [00:14:45] Like you said, we're not going to knock social media. It definitely has its place, but why do you think people are suffering and maybe just drawn to just that world versus just that one on one time with somebody?

Speaker2: [00:14:56] Well, I mean, I know from the last two years, it's it's all of us. [00:15:00] Even me as a social person, it's kind of drug me down a little bit, you know, and especially people who are introverts and didn't necessarily like socialization to begin with. This is just really put them in a bad place in my mind because [00:15:15] they're it's giving them a real legitimate reason not to do any socialization. And now they're kind of stuck in a rut I found. So if you have a friend like that, I would encourage you to you know, they might say, I don't want to get up and go do anything, [00:15:30] but you need to go over to their house, pick them up off the floor and make them do something. I think as friends, it's our responsibility to recognize when other friends are suffering and say, Okay, I know they don't want to get up [00:15:45] and do anything, but I'm going to make them do it because they need it and they will appreciate it eventually. I've just got to get them out of this rut. So and I think to not just saying don't dismiss how people feel and their feelings for sure, but and [00:16:00] you're very good at this, Monica, recognizing and being able to. Just knowing when somebody needs you, you know it and you're there for them and that's awesome. We have good friends. We're lucky to have each other.

Speaker1: [00:16:14] Yes, I [00:16:15] know. Well, look, but we got people, you know, listen to us, you know? But we think it's just we have to say to one another, you know, you.

Speaker2: [00:16:23] Have to say and you have to have hard conversations with people.

Speaker2: [00:16:26] Yeah, you know, and that's what friends are for. If you have a friend [00:16:30] that is a friendship is saying recognizing when they're in need and addressing that need when they have a need and addressing it.

Speaker1: [00:16:37] Because that's like you said, it's not easy. And sometimes it requires getting out of your comfort zone, maybe hurting somebody's feelings at the moment. But if you come [00:16:45] at it with a good heart and a pure intention, they're going to be thankful.

Speaker2: [00:16:48] They will be thankful.

Speaker1: [00:16:49] Yeah. And hope they do the same for you.

Speaker2: [00:16:51] Yes. And you can't just say if you need something, let me know, because they're not going to let you know.

Speaker1: [00:16:55] Look, that phrase, can I make an announcement? That phrase doesn't work.

Speaker2: [00:16:58] No. What you need to say is [00:17:00] this. I'm coming on this day and I'm bringing this to your house, or I'm picking you up on this day and this is what we're going to do, or I'm going to take your kids to school for you, or I'm going to do this and I'm picking them up here and just have a plan. Say what you're going to do and don't say, let me know if you need me. [00:17:15]

Speaker1: [00:17:15] And I'm going to add another thing to that. A text is not the same as a call.

Speaker2: [00:17:20] That's right.

Speaker1: [00:17:20] And so, look, we all love to text. It's easy, but it's impersonal. But, you know, hey, I'm.

Speaker2: [00:17:28] Listen, I have to say this. [00:17:30] If I'm going through something and I haven't heard from somebody in a while or they really aren't somebody that's in my circle, I don't want to have a conversation with them. I would much rather have a text.

Speaker1: [00:17:43] Okay, but what if they're in your circle?

Speaker2: [00:17:44] If [00:17:45] they're in my circle? Definitely. I would expect a call or come over or something. I mean, but if you're if you're if you're not in my circle.

Speaker1: [00:17:52] Okay. But you got to recognize the people that are in that circle.

Speaker2: [00:17:56] Yes.

Speaker1: [00:17:56] I guess when I'm in that circle or call you.

Speaker2: [00:17:58] That's right. Or show up.

Speaker1: [00:17:59] Whether you like it or not. [00:18:00]

Speaker2: [00:18:01] I mean, seriously.

Speaker1: [00:18:03] Okay. So I had to tell the story.

Speaker2: [00:18:07] I'm scared.

Speaker1: [00:18:08] No. Talking about just being authentic. And I think that's I think that's what's you know, what's so important [00:18:15]in relationships and with in particular your girlfriends. National Women's, you know. Okay. So with women the first time I actually, not the first time I met you, but the first time I came to your house for a party. I don't remember. You [00:18:30] used to have an annual Halloween party. Maybe that's why I was. And so I showed up and it was the most random group of people. Like, I remember walking in and saw your bedroom with laundry all over the floor. [00:18:45]

Speaker2: [00:18:45] Yes.

Speaker1: [00:18:45] The door open.

Speaker2: [00:18:46] Yes.

Speaker1: [00:18:46] And I immediately liked you more because I like that you were just comfortable with, Hey, this is who I am. Yes, this is my home.

Speaker2: [00:18:56] Listen, I've got to say something about the laundry in the in the floor.

Speaker1: [00:18:59] Now, [00:19:00] look, I'm not judging it. I loved it.

Speaker2: [00:19:02] But I had a solution. Now it's in my guest room, and I do it. So it's out of my bedroom, which makes me sleep better at night. But listen, I don't like to look at it.

Speaker1: [00:19:13] But I think people, look, but what about [00:19:15] people like me that came in and felt at home all of the laundry in your room. So you've taken that.

Speaker2: [00:19:20] And I crack up at myself. That's me who has a party with a lot of people that random people that from all over and [00:19:30] then clothes everywhere and kids running amuck. And it's just life actually.

Speaker1: [00:19:36] It is life and I think I just think it's important once again that we talk about, I think that's what hinders people from getting together. Having [00:19:45] people over. You're just like, everything's got to look perfect. I've got to have everything displayed, right? It's got to be perfectly beautiful and all that. And at the end of the day, people really don't even really want to see that.

Speaker2: [00:19:57] I know I think of that a lot too.

Speaker1: [00:19:58] It's really if [00:20:00] you're hosting it, you feel like it's needed. But really, nobody else thinks that.

Speaker2: [00:20:03] No, and I think who are who are the people living in this house? How do you keep it so clean? I mean, I wouldn't want to. And that's just not a priority for me. And I know some people have anxiety over [00:20:15] their house being in order and that's just their thing. And that's fine. That's their thing. And I'm, you know, good for you. It's definitely not my thing. I could care less. I mean, I do care somewhat, but I don't want to be like, I'm [00:20:30] not going to stay up at night and I'm going to bed whether I've got dishes done or not. I'll be in that bed asleep. Sound asleep. Dirty dishes and all.

Speaker1: [00:20:38] You're not a hoarder. You're very clean.

Speaker2: [00:20:40] I'm not a hoarder.

Speaker1: [00:20:41] But clutter doesn't bother you and I'm the same way.

Speaker2: [00:20:43] No, that's right.

Speaker1: [00:20:44] So I will say [00:20:45] this just to kind of finish that, that whole conversation. Something that made such an impression on me. I have you kind of crossed like when you when you come in my garage, you see my laundry room. And it's always a disaster because I have so [00:21:00] many people in my family. But I intentionally leave the door open now if somebody is coming over because I'm like, not that I'm trying to be make it messy, but like I'm just like, this is me. Why? Why do I have to close the door?

Speaker2: [00:21:12] I like it.

Speaker1: [00:21:13] Now someone might come come [00:21:15] behind me. And I'm not going to say who might close it. They don't like it, but I'm just like, this is who I am. This is our life, this is our home. And it's just being real.

Speaker2: [00:21:26] And but maybe I left that door open for you to go in there and fold my clothes for me. [00:21:30]

Speaker1: [00:21:31] What did it work? Because I didn't do it.

Speaker2: [00:21:33] And you're like, if I leave my door open, maybe somebody will do my laundry for me. Good point. But they just closed the door and it's still there. It never changes.

Speaker1: [00:21:42] Well, I hadn't thought about that, but, [00:21:45] man, why don't they?

Speaker2: [00:21:46] I know right now I'm a new point. Now, you'll never feel the same about leaving the door open.

Speaker1: [00:21:53] I want to still leave it open that day. Maybe one day.

Speaker2: [00:21:56] Yeah, maybe put a note on there that says if this bothers you, do the laundry. [00:22:00]

Speaker1: [00:22:00] Yes, I like the note. Okay. So great friendship advice coming from a good friend. And that's what I've been. I've really wanted somebody to speak to that because I think. We just never no one tells us how to be a good friend. [00:22:15] And I think we all have something to offer. And it's good to look around and see like, who's my friend great pays in my tribe and have have people that can do some things that you can't do and, you know, learn from each other and take care of one another. It's [00:22:30] really a sweet thing.

Speaker2: [00:22:30] We need to. It's what we should do. Yeah. So we're a little sister wives sort or sister friends.

Speaker1: [00:22:35] Sister friends.

Speaker2: [00:22:36] We'll say sister friends.

Speaker1: [00:22:37] Yeah, we're not sister wives.

Speaker2: [00:22:38] No. Although I have said before I can't say the benefit in that like.

Speaker1: [00:22:44] Oh yes. [00:22:45]

Speaker2: [00:22:45] To some extent. You know, you got like everybody working together. Yes, yes. I mean, I don't want the whole worship the husband thing, but.

Speaker1: [00:22:54] Well, take the husband out. That's why we're going to go. Sister, sister, friend's.

Speaker2: [00:22:57] Sister friends.

Speaker1: [00:22:58] We can all like that. Yeah. Okay. So [00:23:00] Sister Fran, going back to you, have such a heart for the community. You are definitely a great representative within our community. Tell us some ways, some events to get involved in, how we can go about [00:23:15] it. If it's, you know, if it's through your chamber or not, just just ways to get involved, how do you do it?

Speaker2: [00:23:20] Okay. So I will say that there are lots of civic groups that do great things in our community. I would most certainly look into maybe joining a civic group. Now [00:23:30] they know how I feel about this. I have a little bit of a pet peeve about it. I think their work they do is wonderful. I'm not about meeting once a week, though. I can't do that. I think we're all busy, you know, you just can't quite do that. But if there's a [00:23:45] service project that they're doing that I can help with, I'm all for it. Let me come help that day, do the service project and serve my community. So you too can do that. So I think, you know, and obviously your churches are a great way to [00:24:00] to be involved in a community. With us at the Chamber, we have events monthly. We have a breakfast in business, we have chamber after hours and we have a lunch and learn. And those are free events that you can just come network at. And [00:24:15] just periodically there are just things during the the year like boom days and things like that that businesses can help with or you as an individual can just come out and volunteer or participate. I think we have a lot of things happening in our community [00:24:30] throughout the year and sometimes it's in spurts. Obviously you just have to get up and do it. You know, we have a beautiful community, Little River Canyon, DeSoto State Park.

Speaker1: [00:24:41] And our downtown, it's just getting better every day.

Speaker2: [00:24:44] So I know. [00:24:45] I love it down here. It's beautiful. You have to come see us downtown. But we have Rising Leaders of DeKalb, which is the Young Professionals Group. And there you can contact the chamber if you're interested in more information with that for that that group, the goal of that is, is [00:25:00] to grow professionally as leaders within the community. But it's also, you know, smaller groups can kind of I guess develop through the rising leaders that have same common interests and maybe do things together in the community [00:25:15] and hopefully let people who maybe are new to the community come in and. Acclimate into the group and learn that there are things in the community worth doing here, and it's a great community to stay and raise a family. And I [00:25:30] think there'll be more things happen in the next few years, you'll see, and you've just got to get up and get involved.

Speaker1: [00:25:35] Yeah. Thinking about the civic organizations, is there a list? Like, I honestly don't even know what all we have available here.

Speaker2: [00:25:42] You can go to the Chamber of Commerce website fortpaynechamber.com And [00:25:45] we have a lot of the civic groups are members and we have several churches that are members. That's a great place for you to find all your resources as far as retail, places to visit, things to do. Also the tourism [00:26:00] website which is visitlookoutmountain.com, they have a great website with lots of information on it as well. But I wanted to circle back around before I forget because I'm like a squirrel. You know, if you're a new thinking about starting a business, [00:26:15] the best thing you can do right off the bat is to come to the chamber or call the chamber. 8452741. Let us know. We will set you up with an appointment with JSU Small Business Development Center. They provide free [00:26:30] one on one consultation. So they can help you with a business plan, a marketing plan, your pro forma financial information. And then we can help you get on the right track to what are you going to. Are you going to lease the building or are you going to buy a building? [00:26:45] We'll help you get in with the city hall for inspections, try to figure out what the best route for you to go is. It's better to start out like that than to start a process and halfway through realize you've missed some start ups and it's going to make it much harder. [00:27:00] So if you'll just come to us first please, we want you to succeed.

Speaker1: [00:27:02] And make a plan.

Speaker2: [00:27:05] Let us help you get a plan together. And it's confidential. They'll meet with you one on one. We don't even have to know what you're talking about from the Chambers perspective. You don't have to be a member. Obviously, [00:27:15] new members. I mean, new businesses aren't businesses, maybe even yet at all. Once you're established, then hopefully you'll look to the chamber for a resource and join. But you don't have to right off the bat.

Speaker1: [00:27:25] The chamber, it really is an amazing resource. And yes, and maybe [00:27:30] underutilized and people need to take advantage of that. That sounds great.

Speaker2: [00:27:35] I know we want it. We want you. We want everybody to succeed. I mean, it's our community. If there's businesses growing and thriving, only helps our community. [00:27:45]

Speaker1: [00:27:45] Absolutely. Like that competitive mindset, scarcity mindset. No, everybody does better. The more you do better, the better I do. Just that's just how it how it goes. And and I'm excited. We've got some really good opportunities, I feel like, here. [00:28:00] And I'm glad you mentioned all that you did because. You know, hey, now it's a little bit safer, too, to get back out. I think it's time. I think people were needing to be around more people and get more involved. So there's some good options of if anyone's [00:28:15] interested. So thanks for sharing. Yeah, sharing that.

Speaker2: [00:28:17] Come by and see us. I mean, we'll be happy to sit down and go over some information with you, talk to you anytime.

Speaker1: [00:28:23] Okay. Well, I cannot leave this conversation without you discussing your newest venture, [00:28:30] the Chamber's podcast. I want you to tell us all about it.

Speaker2: [00:28:34] Well, we have a new podcast called Business Is Booming, and it's the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce where we are spotlighting our members and just kind of it'll be a variation [00:28:45] of things Some of it more storytelling, getting to know our members, some about services that they're providing. We're even going to talk to JSU about their small business development center and the services they provide. It's all about business, but mixed in a little humor [00:29:00] and a little bit of getting to know our community. So we're excited. We've just started it. We'll be doing a few videos as well inside some of our businesses and talking to people. I think just to me, getting to know people is the biggest [00:29:15] part of our podcast and our video production that we'll be doing because it once you know somebody, a lot of ways we go back to that. If you feel like you have a connection to them, it it makes a difference. And that's also why I love your podcast. [00:29:30] I think hearing people's voice, understanding why they do what they do or how why they feel the way they feel or it matters.

Speaker1: [00:29:37] It does matter. It does matter. Everybody's got a story and everybody's, you know, just I think nobody realizes that we [00:29:45] all have a story. I mean, I've talked to people about interviewing. They're like, I don't really have no I don't really have anything to say. We all have something to say. And we have we all have different experiences and and knowledge that needs to be shared. [00:30:00] It does. And I'm excited about your podcast. I think it's going to be awesome and neither is going to be humor in it because you're you're in it. I mean, you're just more fun like that. Like you're going to make it fun.

Speaker2: [00:30:11] Some things you can't make too funny, you know, you just it's [00:30:15] hard.

Speaker1: [00:30:15] But at the appropriate times.

Speaker2: [00:30:17] Yes, that's.

Speaker1: [00:30:17] Right. Yes.

Speaker2: [00:30:18] Sprinkled in there.

Speaker1: [00:30:20] Sprinkled in there. Yep. Yeah. Well, I know it's going to do awesome because you're awesome. And I'm just I'm thankful that you're in my community, that you're leading the way you are [00:30:30] as a female, a strong woman. We need we just we can't have enough enough women leading us here. And I'm thankful for what you're doing there. And I'm thankful for you as a friend. And I love you. And I love you being here. I love you, too.

Speaker2: [00:30:44] Thanks for having me. [00:30:45]

Speaker1: [00:30:45] Thanks.

Speaker3: [00:30:53] This podcast represents the views and opinions of Monica Paton and her guests. Its content is presented for informational, educational [00:31:00] and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical, psychological or legal advice. Please contact a professional for specific questions. This content does not represent any place of work. When we make every effort to ensure that the information shared is accurate, comments, [00:31:15] suggestions or correction of errors are welcome.