The Kanab Area Chamber leadership team was very excited to hold their first Valley luncheon in August. And by all accounts, it was a success!
The Kanab Area Chamber supports the business community in the areas around Kanab and so was pleased to host an event at the Kane County North Event Center in Orderville. Three Valley businesses that are Kanab Area Chamber members were in attendance: East Zion Adventures, My Zion Vacation, and Zion Family Homes.
Guest presenter was the always popular Susan Honey. She spoke on the topic of creating a positive workplace culture and the impact that has on employee retention. Her presentation included seven principles for positive outcomes:
1. The power of using a person’s name
2. The power of safety first
3. The power of breathing
4. The power of a smile
5. The power of gratitude
6. The power of kindness
7. The power to see someone deeply
Susan covered each principle by sharing slides, videos, book excerpts, and personal anecdotes. Her comments on the power of safety included an amusing – but very important – aside about the dangers of using extension cords, including the charred remains of several that she brought with her as object lessons.
Altogether her presentation was a thoughtful reflection on the importance of authentically caring for the people a business serves and the employees who provide the service. She noted that it’s important to “know and remember your ‘whys,’” pointing out that “people buy what you do and why you do it,” and adding that her reasons have always been family, employees, and community.
The presentation was warmly received by the group, who joined Susan in an exercise on writing a thank you note to someone to whom you’re grateful. Her presentation provided the attendees with a useful and honest reflection on what it means to be a good employer, leader, and member of the community. We’re grateful Susan joined us for this month’s chamber luncheon and look forward to seeing her again.
Other businesses represented were: Best Friends Animal Society, Burro Flats High Desert Lodge, Cliffview Chapel Baptist Church, Happy Horse & Dog Pet Resort, Kanab City, Kanab Create, Kane County, Ron’s Fresh Baked, Stellar Vista Observatory, and Utah Dept of Workforce Services.
The lunch served was from Kanab Area Chamber member Pizza Hut. The next lunch in the Valley, at the North Events Center in Orderville, will be on Thursday, October 17th . The guest presenter will be Janette Peatross, executive director of Kane County Office of Tourism. Janette be talking about tourism trends, marketing, and impact, with a focus on north Kane County and East Zion. Catering will be by Kanab Area Chamber member Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort in Orderville.