Businesses finding their way

As the future of the Vankleek Hill Business and Merchant Association seems bleak, imminent closure seems to fly in the face of so many past successes. Yet this business association, viewed by many on the outside as a going concern, has had its internal challenges, like so many of the merchant groups, or chambers of commerce, across the region.
We have all been in groups where things are really moving along, but pushed forward by only a few. The small motor running the big machine is not what shows to the outside world. As the parade passes by, one sees only the parade, not the lone organizer who accepted responsibility for the parade.
Likewise, everyone shows up to watch but were it not for those who prepared the floats and agreed to be in the parade, there would have been no parade and no need for any of us to show up and enjoy the parade.
When talk of commitment, involvement and leadership come up, parades are a popular analogy. Are you in the parade, or do you stand on the sidelines? Are you the organizer? Do you lead the parade or follow everyone else. Do you criticize from afar or do you get inspired by others as they roll past you?
What is happening here in Vankleek Hill is, in my humble opinion, yet another questioning of the purpose of a merchant group. There is so much that it could do but all of the work that gets done is by volunteers. And what is this work? The very responsibilities of chambers of commerce in small towns is controversial. Is it to promote shopping? Industrial growth? Organize festivals and events? Be there to welcome bus tours? Coordinate customer appreciation initiatives? Bring about beautification? Hire students and run a tourist information centre? Improve local business relationships and networking? Print pamphlets? Sell souvenirs? Lobby the municipality to do more? Work with the municipality? Apply for funding? Have a vision of the future? Support other community initiatives financially and otherwise?
Hold meetings? Listen to complaints? Send out newsletters? Make sure parking is available? I'm exhausted already.
So let's get real. There are so many worms in that can it is easy to understand why almost every business association in our coverage area is in the midst of a massive internal struggle. Remember: it doesn't always show on the outside.
Without naming any villages, I can think of at least eight different communities where business associations have folded. Many members have confided how bad it is in their towns. No one wants to get involved or take a position of responsibility. And they think we've got this problem licked.
I have been asked this question on many occasions: "How do you manage to get so much done in Vankleek Hill? What's the secret?" 
My personal opinion is: it's because we drink so much. Just kidding. But some levity is necessary. It is all too easy to look at each other and perceive that things are going badly because of what someone down the street has or has not done.
But our small complaints are easily fixed and do not, as a whole, comprise the problem. The  problem that is so difficult for all of us to pinpoint is what we need to do in this changing social and economic climate. And I put it to you that if we could clearly see this, we would be a solid community, working together toward a common goal.
In the smaller communities that surround us, similar challenges face small retailers, manufacturers, farmers, business owners and employers.
It may be unrealistic to expect small business groups to fulfil so many needs in small communities. But surely as business owners, we can find enough common ground to accomplish basic work that needs to be done in every community.
While one lot of executive members may have different strengths and a different focus, another group may move forward in new directions.
I am proud of my involvement in past local initiatives, whether it was selling pies, writing newsletters, organizing events, hosting artists during the May Show, or walking around town with groups of visitors and talking about life here.
We all care about our life here and when I think of all the business owners and property owners along our streets, I have only good thoughts. They are my customers, my friends and often -- both. We need each other and we want many of the same things.
Sometimes, we lose sight of what we are together and where we are headed.
But we can always find our way. It's impossible to get lost in a small town.