There are so many reasons to love Lawrence. The ambience, the people who live here, the college students who keep us thinking in young and futuristic ways, the schools, the arts, and our downtown are among the reasons people love Lawrence. The list could go on and on.

As a business owner I must say that the business community is one of the reasons I love Lawrence.

For almost 30 years, it has been a pleasure to own and operate a business in Lawrence. From my first day in business in Lawrence, this community was welcoming and encouraged and appreciated a new business coming to town. Our business community is diverse, and the mix of small, medium and large businesses help enhance this community in many ways.

The most important way that businesses enhance this community is by providing job opportunities for many of us.

The business community and the people who run those businesses also contribute their time, talent, energy and financial resources to help advance or resolve important issues, support education, the arts, recreation, social services and many other worthwhile causes and endeavors. Businesses are “in the game” to help and have always been there when asked.

Working with other business owners and leaders who care about this community and who are willing to serve on various boards, commissions and committees gives me reason to be optimistic about our future.

As chairwoman of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors it is also a pleasure to be part of an organization whose membership comes together under a common mission and sharing values that are measured against our work every day. The chamber membership works on issues that are relevant in ensuring a positive future for our community.

In the years ahead, if history is an indicator, the leadership in the business community will continue to be an important piece of the fabric of this community. Someday future Lawrence businesses leaders will look back in our history and value the contributions made by business to ensure the quality of life they have. Without a doubt they will continue the legacy of involvement and commit their time, talent, energy and financial resources to the community, too.