This past week, opportunities continued to abound as we explored the George Hi Plantation in Garland with the 2012-13 Adult Leadership Retreat participants. It was facilitated by Dr. David Jones from N.C. State University. I never knew how much a drawing of a pig could say about our personality! We had a lot of fun learning about our own personality type and we also began to recognize how to understand each other’s personality type.

While I enjoyed the entire day, one of my favorite moments was taking the DISC personality assessment to determine our personality type. Each letter, D.I.S.C represents a personality style (D=Outgoing and Task Oriented, I=Outgoing and People Oriented, S=Reserved and People Oriented, and C=Reserved and Task Oriented) Once we determined our own style, all of the “D”’s went to an area, the “I”’s into another area, and so on for the “S” and the “C”’s. As a group, we had to plan the perfect vacation for a budget of $10,000, then explain our vacation to everyone. Afterwards, Dr. Jones began to discuss how within each personality group there were characteristics of that personality style. From then on, throughout the remainder of the day, we began to notice the different characteristics of each of us shining through, due to our personality style. Dr. Jones focused on how important it was to not only understand your own personality style but to also recognize and understand personality styles of others in order to be able to communicate more effectively and accomplish more.

The day was filled with opportunities to learn and explore the power of values, acknowledge the vision, who we are, one simple thing, and more. The 2012-13 Leadership class will continue to explore Sampson County one day a month from September until May.

The Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce is honored to be able to provide opportunities such as the Clinton-Sampson Leadership Program to our members. However, we offer much more; opportunities to network, advertise, attend educational seminars, to name a few. While September has been filled with an array of opportunities — to serve as a voice to its members in Washington D.C., continuing to work on the Chamber Coat Closet signature project to help those in need stay warm this winter, participation in the first Available Properties Event in Downtown Clinton, Chamber Day in Harrells, New Member Showcase at the VFW, continued involvement in the Town of Garland and Roseboro NC Step Committees, new involvement with the Downtown Clinton Economic Restructuring Committee, and much more. Each of these new opportunities creates endless possibilities.

If you, your business, or organization would like to take advantage of the opportunities the Chamber provides, give us a call at 592.6177 or visit our website at www.clintonsampsonchamber.org.