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A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

November 29, 2017

Dedication to Thin Mints

I don’t know about where you live, but I saw Girl Scouts and their cookies everywhere earlier this year.  I saw them on my trip to the grocery store, in front of a local restaurant and at the mall.  Who can resist the sweet treats combined with the enthusiasm of young entrepreneurs?

I admit to being partial to Do-si-dos, Shortbread and Samoas but in particular, Thin Mints.  From the Business Insider, dated March 8, 2017, Thin Mint sales accounted for a full quarter of sales from previous years, making them America’s favorite Girl Scout cookie. This dedication, excitement and passion to Thin Mints made me think about our Chamber, Association and nonprofit industries and how we have much in common.

  • Who we are. Like the Girl Scout mission, “…builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place”, your organizations serve, educate, empower and improve the lives of all for your community, region, state and country.
  • Passionate followers. You know who they are in your organization.  Those individuals who are more than a member but someone who shouts your praises and good deeds from the rooftops. They are excited about you!
  • Network for professional growth. While badges are not given for networking, it is an important aspect of our organizations and the #1 reason many belong.  Having the opportunity to meet others you may not normally connect with is a powerful motivator.
  • Provide lifelong learning opportunities. As outlined on girlscouts.org, “Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential”. Each one of your organization devotes time and energy to providing expertise on timely topics while serving as a one stop resource for the local business community.
  • Evolve for the future. Whether it’s through technology, programming or services, to be relevant for the future, organizations must adapt and grow. From the first cookie sales in 1917 to the Girl Scout Cookie Finder mobile app (yes there is such a thing), looking outside of what’s always been done is vital.

In the coming weeks, as you hear the question – “What does your organization do?” – think in relation to your favorite Girl Scout cookie and the dedication, excitement and passion it elicits. Look for ways to share that ‘special something, something’ for which your organization provides value every day to your members and for your community.

Avatar photo
Kim Dahlsten, IOM
Vice President of Operations
Catawba County Chamber of Commerce

Kim Dahlsten is Vice President of Operations for the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce. She serves as the administrative officer of the organization who oversees the management, organizational development, programming, financials, and reporting functions of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce. She also oversees all external PR/marketing and planning and execution of Chamber programs and special events, along with fostering relationships with media partners, sponsors, and top Chamber investors.

Dahlsten was Vice President, Director of Membership at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and most recently with the K-State Alumni Association as Associate Director of Membership.

Dahlsten is a 2011 graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Institute for Organization Management (IOM); chairing the Southeast Institute site in 2017 and serving as a Class Advisor in 2012 and 2013. She currently serves on the National Board of Trustees.

Comments

  1. Yvette Barr says

    November 30, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    This is an inspiring article! I love it! Thank you!

    Reply

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