Have you noticed the Gingerbread Man high on the hill on the north side of Highway 71 near the log cabins – he sheds a wonderful light for all to see! Carloads of happy travelers have made their way up and down our two highways this holiday season. Many have chosen to stop in Smithville and we are grateful for their visits. We have had guests at the chamber from several states and foreign countries – many drawn by the movie Hope Floats. Some fans of the movie can recite lines and know the places by heart.  It’s interesting that so many people come through town because of the movie, but indeed they do. “Smitty” also continues his status as an important attraction. We have shown his video several times during the past weeks.

The Bark Park is going to begin to become a reality. The fence building and other projects are getting started. If you’d like to volunteer some time to help with the construction, please contact Andis Goble at 237-3282, ext. 7. Volunteers would be appreciated. This might be a great project for a bored teenager or an adult looking for something to do! If we all pitch in and help, our four legged pets and their two legged companions will soon have a great new place to meet and mingle! Watch the progress on First Street across from the Skate Park!

Volunteers are also needed to help the chamber take down the holiday decorations that have adorned our Main Street area. We will start the process at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9 – meet us at the Gazebo or on Main Street. It’s fun to have new faces lending a helping hand.

So now it’s time to get serious about those New Year’s resolutions. Making resolutions for your businesses are just as important – and easy to break – as the ones that you might make for yourself. As a business, it is important to constantly evaluate what you offer in both goods and services. Look for something exciting and new for you and your customers, but keep that customer service attitude at it’s best. What an honor it is to be able to own a business!  Your hard work and risk taking have rewards – enjoy the benefits!

Our last Shop Local $100 drawing for this series will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2 at the Gazebo. Our previous winners are Ashley Dyslin (November) and April Bryan (December). Please drop your completed entries by the Chamber office or drop them in the door slot if we happen to be out of the office when you stop by. Most importantly, support our chamber members in your shopping. Chamber members are great places to spend your gift dollars!

Here are some thoughts for this New Year. Life isn’t fair, but it is still good. When in doubt, just take the next small step.  When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. And finally, remember, life isn’t tied with a bow, but it is still a gift.

We wish you the best of good health, good times and good business in 2010!