As I sit here at my desk looking out the office window at the sun shining and the early signs of spring, I find myself looking back in time and reminiscing in my mind all of the wonderful years that I have spent as a member of the board of directors for the River Valley Chamber. Time does fly; it has been 19 years that I have been involved directly with the Chamber.

1992 was the first year that I became involved with the Chamber as a member of the board of directors, jumping right into the treasurer’s position with Janice Reed as president. Did I know what I was getting myself into? No, I did not, but was up for the challenge.

Now, 19 years later, I have accomplished serving as president of the Chamber and working with a great group of business people, municipalities and organizations along the way. I have made many friends through my work for the Chamber and will cherish the friendships forever. I have seen the Chamber grow from 52 businesses to over 200 businesses in the River Valley, I have worked with others to see the name of the Chamber go from the Greater Rumford Chamber of Commerce to the River Valley Chamber of Commerce and see the number of its board members grow from 12 to 18.

Growth, wisdom, challenges, changes, and accomplishments are all goals that I have encountered throughout my journey.

So, now as I close this chapter in my book and embark on a new one, I would like to thank each and every person who I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my “Chamber life” and hope that our paths will cross in my continued journey through life.

My words of wisdom to all of you who are getting into volunteer/community work is to always have fun, think outside the box, and follow your dreams in life to make a difference.

See you around town,

Cheryl A. G. Dickson