The Relationship of Elements in a Set by Al DiMarzio, HB Graphics | Return to Tips & Tutorials | HB Graphics Home | (This article was one in a series we wrote for the local newspaper as part of my being President of the local Chamber of Commerce. While this is specific to our town, it has sustenance for other towns and Chambers of Commerce.) Remember when "new math" was introduced and our children began talking a foreign language of sets, classes, unions, etc. Perhaps we only read about it in the paper and wondered what happened to the old familiar 2+2=4. Well, times change to make room for larger concepts as our world becomes larger. In today’s business economy we need to take a larger view with our "new math". Yes, a new math filled with sets, elements, classes and relationships. According to the dictionary on my desk "the relation between an element of a set or class and the set or class" is the definition of membership. Now I could have used the first definition in the dictionary of the body of members, but that wouldn’t have gotten your attention or made my next point possible. Membership in the Chamber is "new math"! This is where ‘elements’ of business owners in similar business ‘classes’ work together to form ‘unions’ and develop ‘relationships’. I know it’s a stretch--but just a small one. When you look at your Chamber committees and activities, that is exactly what the Chamber is all about--bringing like-minded businesses and business people together to form a stronger set. Whether your business is service oriented, medical related, retail or industrial, the "new math" works. The Chamber is the business person’s best relationship in building a profitable business in the local economy. Unfortunately, some business people look at joining the Chamber as a "civic" thing to do, a "responsible" thing to do. While these are nice thoughts, that’s not why you join a Chamber. You join a Chamber to be a more profitable business--and yes, give back to the community which supports you. I’m in business, not to occupy my spare time, but to make a decent living and enjoy the beauty of the Shoreline. Those of you who belong to the Chamber know that we work hard at developing programs, marketing initiatives, health care and other plans for our membership. However, these plans are only as good as those who contribute, and if we don’t see your point of view, or offer the programs you want, or the plans you want--well then--call us. And if you are not yet a member of the Chamber, I urge you to think about your "new math" for a changing economy. I urge you to think about other business people in your field of endeavor and what you could accomplish together in building stronger relationships. Yes, read between the lines, I mean make money! Yes, I want you to join the Chamber of Commerce for selfish reasons. And yes, call the Chamber office for your sign up kit. Return to top

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