Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Business Journal and Other Publications Quarter 4 2016 Business Journal | 页面 8
YOUR CHAMBER
Which
THEODOR SEUSS GEISEL, ILLUSTRATOR
DALE STEENBERGEN,
CEO/PRESIDENT OF THE GREATER
CHEYENNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WHO
ARE
YOU?
I am sure as children we all read, or as an adult we read to
like Horton. We should be highly aware of the activities around us,
our children or grandchildren the story of Horton Hears a Who.
always paying special attention to the details so that we recognize
Horton is an elephant that hears a tiny community, Whoville, on a
challenges and problems to respond in a way that shows
flower but everyone around him thinks he has gone off his rocker
commitment and resolve for what we know is right. We should also
because they can’t hear a thing. Those around Horton tie him
be like Horton when Facebook goes nuts, the press has missed
up and start dragging him toward the pot to boil his flower in oil.
the facts, or when we are getting a “bad rap”. If the math has been
Horton fights for all he is worth and the Mayor of Whoville enlists
done and the facts are known to us, we should stand with resolve
everyone to say, “We are here! We are here!” By the end of the
to do what is right for our members and our community. Certainly,
story, one small child is not shouting. When they finally get him to
we can never be as strong as the ideal of a hero in a child’s
join the crowd, the noise becomes loud enough for everyone to
storybook, but we can aspire to stand up with the same tenacity
hear. Horton is redeemed, Whoville is saved, and the animals that
and commitment as Horton in every obstacle we face.
thought Horton crazy finally realized the error in their ways.
Life is certainly more complicated
than a children’s story, but sometimes nobody
What about the Whos? The Whos play a much
different role in the story, but there is much to be learned from
them as well. The community is ultimately saved because every
can teach us a lesson as well as Dr. Seuss. Horton was committed
Who pitched in and made noise. Living in a small state and mid-
to his cause. When everyone around Horton doubted him,
size town, we have a lot in common with the Whos. In a world
condemned him, mocked him, and even threatened his physical
that responds to power and noise, we have neither the luxury, nor
well-being, he stayed committed to his cause, to what he knew
the opportunity, for someone else to do the work for us. We must
was right. Your Chamber of Commerce should always strive to be
band together as a unit if we are to progress as a community. The
8 | Quarter 4 M 2016