The world runs on volunteers. Look around you and you will see them everywhere.  They are the driving force behind many of our initiatives and fundraisers.

Have you been to a fundraiser for a family battling cancer? Volunteers were there using their time and talents to serve food, gather silent auction items and promote the event. They do not seek recognition but simply want to help other human beings.

Have you taken your children or grandchildren to one of our parks? Those who serve on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board help guide the department and recommend improvements to the City Council. They are not compensated but serve because this community believes that green space and recreation is important.

Have you attended the Taste of Heritage Festival each year at the Northbridge Mall? The uncompensated members of the city’s Human Rights Commission will partner with Riverland Community College and others to bring this multicultural event to the community. No one profits from the event except all of the community as they learn about the rich cultural heritage of our area.

In mentioning heritage, special thanks should be given to the members of the Heritage Preservation Commission for giving of their time to preserve our historic downtown. One of the principle drivers in the resurgence of the area is the rich architecture. We are fortunate that we have not lost these precious jewels.

From my standpoint, the chamber doesn’t function without our volunteers. All of our committees are dependent on volunteer members. Our Ambassadors take time out of their busy days to welcome new members and celebrate anniversaries and business growth. They organize their annual scholarship golf outing in order to award scholarships to outstanding students in the county.

The Ag Committee selects and honors the Farm Family of the Year. It also raise funds for the 4-H Livestock Auction and organizes and runs the third-grade farm tours. The Governmental Affairs Committee helps guide our policy decisions while the Green Committee is striving to help the community reduce our carbon footprint.

You’ve probably heard that our county health ranking continues to improve. Much of the credit for that goes to the chamber’s Worksite Wellness Committee and the SHIP and Blue Zones Project leadership team. They have all kept their eyes on the prize.

I also have to recognize the chamber’s board of directors. Again, they are all volunteers who set policy and develop new strategies. For many, their term will last up to seven years. They are looking out for the well-being of our membership and helping the chamber successfully meet its mission statement.

I encourage all of us in this, Volunteer Recognition Month, to take time to say thank you to all the devoted volunteers in the community. They are the lifeblood of our community.

Randy Kehr

executive director

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce