Generosity ...

As I was driving home from the Chamber’s 8th Annual Business and Employment Expo,

I was feeling very happy and rewarded.  As I sometimes do, I wondered what was behind this good feeling and it came to me- generosity.  Biddeford-Saco has a wealth of generosity.  I am exposed to it every day at the Chamber. Our members have donated goods and services; they volunteer their time, skills and knowledge; and they do it in good times and when things are a bit grey and cloudy.

Generosity is a core value that I hope will prevail as we begin the branding project scheduled for October 2, 3 and 4.  Generosity is something that doesn’t need to be politically correct, Democrat or Republican, poor or affluent, English, French, Irish Greek or any other category we could list.  Generosity comes from the heart. It stems from a belief that giving, so that others can enjoy and benefit, brings more goodness than any amount of money ever could.

At the Expo, we saw generosity at its best.  Over 80 businesses participated in making this year’s event a success.  Everyone welcomed job seekers with smiles and optimism-even if they weren’t hiring.  Businesses displayed their wares, networked with one another and friendships were made that will lead to future commerce-one way or another.  I think I walked 20 miles as I stopped in to talk with many of the businesses and participants.  I know I had a permanent smile all day as I took in the sights.  I enjoyed watching the conversations-some very animated, some very serious.  Business is not all about money-business is the making of friendships and relationships that lead to prosperity.

And with that being said, Thank you seems pretty meager.  Thank you is what the English language has given us to express feelings and to recognize your generosity.  Please accept my Thank-you Biddeford-Saco for your surplus of generosity. And keep focusing on the qualities that bond us together rather than the negatives that try and drive us apart.

Best,
Craig A. Pendleton