
Ever find yourself in a conversation that includes, ‘Wow, this year is just flying by! I can’t believe we’re already in [insert month here].’ Do you reflect and refer back to the vision and goals set for yourself 245 days ago (January 1, 2023)? Time is change; we measure its passing by how much things alter. ?Nadine Gordimer.
Are you seeing the evidence of shifts and growth in professional and personal achievements this year? Have you weathered unexpected storms and given yourself credit for perseverance and dedication? What about extending your hand to offer help or the even more significant challenge of asking for help? Are your circles of relationship development expanding or stagnating? Last question (I promise): Are you willing to work, live, and play SMART in these last 120 days of 2023?
Many reading this may already know what I’m referring SMART goals, an acronym for creating Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound goals, which can then be broken into action steps. For example, My husband and millions of others nationwide eagerly anticipate September 7, the first day of the NFL 2023 season! These football teams employ the elite, best of the best, players hoping to be the last team standing after the Superbowl. The season only lasts 16 weeks, but these players, coaches, trainers, medical staff, front office, etc., must work all year long to make it through 4 months of intense work. SMART goals provide direction, reflection, intention, and connection to bring the vision to reality.
We, too, are in a four-month season to bring our vision for ‘why we do what we do’ into reality. Your Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to being a part of your dream team by offering multiple routes to claim your Wins!
This month, the Brentwood Power Network will focus on developing power partners and action steps for immediate change. How often have we heard and experienced who we know can be even more valuable than what we know? Chamber Director Denise Cosgrove (Denise Cosgrove Insurance) chairs this engaging, twice-per-month meeting, creating a fountain of knowledge and relationship building that increases your networking circles. How SMART is that? Register Today! (We provide Dutch Bros Coffee!!!)
The Chamber is also up-leveling your financial know-how with our quarterly Lunch & Learn! Chamber Director John Lawrence (Mass Mutual Northern California) has secured Perry Chicaine, founder of Brentwood Financial Organizers to bring his expertise, insight, and interest in answering your questions regarding personal finances for individuals and small business owners.
And now for the Le Gran Announcement! In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Chamber, with a grant from the City of Brentwood’s Economic Development Department and our amazing sponsors, invites you to LA GRAN FIESTA! Chamber Director Tony Aguilar (Edward Jones) has orchestrated a family-friendly, fun, and free (yep, some of my favorite ‘F’ words!) event designed to celebrate and enjoy delicious foods, music, and performances for all ages. This program will be being held at City Park from 1-6 p.m. on September 9th. This event will be another venue to meet local business owners, service organizations, and community-minded people who want to support local commerce and personal connections. Click Here for more information. Would you like to help or volunteer? Contact the Chamber’s Office Manager Melisa Hansen to learn more about this opportunity.
And as long as we’re focusing on being SMART, here are a few other specific and time-bound events that can offer personal and professional connections:
The Brentwood Chamber is already coordinating two of Brentwood’s most treasured events! On October 28th from 4 - 8 p.m., Handydads Owner and Chamber Director Adam Martinez is chairing Hometown Halloween. Click Here to learn how to secure your spot to participate in this community-wide fun event for all ages.
November 25th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the 40th Holiday Parade is coming to town along with you-know-who! Chamber Director Jamie Duran is in the midst of creating a holiday treat that features our local businesses, service organizations, and city dignitaries, as well as our Best of Brentwood winners! Click Here to learn more.
The field is open and ready to played; on behalf of the Chamber, we look forward to partnering and making today the Kick-Off with a SMART start for your award-winning season!
To your success!
Denise Duran