Mr. Pendleton Goes to Washington

Craig Pendleton, Executive Director of the Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce, attended a national credit union conference recently in Washington D.C.  He would like to share his observations with Chamber members.

The keynote speaker was Tom Brokaw.  Mr. Brokaw shared his unique world with the attendees.  He narrated many stories about his meetings with such luminaries as Walter Cronkite, Senators Bob Dole, and the late Daniel Inouye of Hawaii.  Brokaw’s insights on America and how Congress functions were particularly interesting.  In a nutshell he stated both were in a mess.   His theme was “…big ideas unify us and small ideas divide us…”  With that said he gave examples of ideas which led to unification such as President Kennedy proclaiming we would land men on the moon; President Nixon, who sent Secretary of State Kissinger to China to open diplomatic and economic ties with that new giant of the world; and Franklin D. Roosevelt in whose Presidency the GI Bill was passed. All of these accomplishments, he pointed out, benefited the entire nation.

Brokaw expanded these “big ideas” to include a discussion of the importance of the military, specifically the National Guard.  He pointed out the military is important in time of war, and in generally protecting our citizens from foreign encroachment, but they serve many other functions especially in time of natural disasters.

Brokaw envisions a partnership to benefit the entire nation.   He suggested a public-private partnership to create what he called a group of “Fellows” who would be educated about serving the good of the nation and subsequently be asked to serve in public service for three years prior to entering the workforce.  He proposed this would be a step in exercising the leadership potential in all of us, and a method to understand leadership and to make a difference.

His definition of public serve was broad and meaningful.  He cited many examples such as learning to be a machinist and working to build parts for a bridge or becoming a doctor and serving in rural Maine because access to health care is limited and where there are too few health professionals. 

His message was one of hope for the future, of understanding where we are and where we should be. Brokaw suggested the nation’s leaders begin working together with the unselfish goal of serving the entire nation, rather than concentrate on their own limited electorate. 

On Tuesday Craig attended a breakfast at the Russell Senate Office Building with Maine’s four members of Congress, noting he had an excellent visit with Senator King.   He also discussed economic development in Biddeford+Saco with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. 

Pingree serves on the Agriculture Committee and Craig discussed his recent election to the Food Commons Board and the concept of a cooperatively owned grocery store, which would be a perfect fit in our mill district.  He was able to go to the Congresswoman’s office and discuss the concept of the Food Commons Board, in detail with her staff. Craig issued a formal invitation for her to visit our area when she returned to Maine.

Congressman Mike Michaud was able to meet with Craig and others.  Congressman Michaud is currently at odds with the Defense Department which gives soldiers an allowance for athletic clothing and the subsequent possibility they could purchase equipment which is not American made.  The current law says American Soldiers must be outfitted from head to toe with products made in the USA.  As an example he wants to outfit the military with American Made Products such as New Balance Sneakers made in Maine. 

Speaker of the House John Boener was the keynote speaker on the second day.  The trip to Washington D.C. was not only insightful but beneficial.  Unquestionably, the Conference allowed Craig a tremendous amount of information to pass on to all of our Regional Business Members.