Greater Odenville Chamber September Meeting Highlights the Importance of Leadership
Greater Odenville Chamber September Meeting Highlights the Importance of Leadership
The Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce welcomed members and guests to its September 3 meeting at Christ Church Branch Cove, where Rev. Jacky Connell, pastor, leadership strategist and motivational speaker, delivered an inspiring message on leadership, integrity, respect and the lasting impact we can have on the lives of others.
Throughout his presentation, Connell reminded attendees that leadership matters—not only in business or in positions of authority, but in the way people conduct themselves, treat others and use their influence every day.
Among the leadership principles Connell shared were the importance of integrity, earning the respect of others, learning to respect others, maintaining a positive attitude and remembering the people who helped us along the way.
One of the most memorable moments of Connell’s presentation came as he shared a personal story from his first job after high school. While working in a fabricating shop, one of the company’s top leaders walked through the shop, stopped when he reached the young Connell, looked at him and simply said, “I believe in you.”
Those few words made a profound and lasting impact.
Connell has remained in contact with that former boss throughout the years, and he recently received a card in the mail carrying another simple but powerful message: “I still believe in you!”
The story illustrated an important lesson for everyone in attendance—the words of a leader can stay with someone for a lifetime.
Connell challenged attendees to remember the people who encouraged, mentored and believed in them along the way and to pay that encouragement forward. He encouraged everyone to find someone in their own life who needs to hear those same powerful words: “I believe in you.”
His message served as a reminder that effective leadership is about more than titles, accomplishments or authority. It is built through character, integrity, respect, encouragement and the willingness to positively influence those around us.
The Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce thanks Rev. Jacky Connell for sharing his time, experiences and leadership insights with the Chamber, Olive Garden Pell City for a great meal and Christ Church Branch Cove for hosting the September meeting.
October Chamber Meeting
The Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce will hold its next meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, featuring guest speaker Blair Goodgame, St. Clair Economic Development Council Tourism Director.
Goodgame will share information about tourism in St. Clair County and its role in promoting the county, attracting visitors and supporting economic and community development.
The Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce invites local business owners, professionals, community leaders and others interested in becoming more involved in the local business community to attend upcoming Chamber meetings and events.
For more information about the Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce, visit OdenvilleChamber.com.
About the Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce works to support, promote and connect businesses while helping strengthen the Greater Odenville community. Through business education, networking, community partnerships, events and other resources, the Chamber works to create opportunities for local businesses and the community to grow together.