January is typically a time that people spend not only reflecting on previous years but also looking forward to the upcoming year.

It is a time that many people not only make plans, but also resolutions as to their actions (or lack of) for the next several months.

In my new position as President of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce I set out to make my resolutions for the new year.

I started, like any good student, by researching the meanings of resolutions and current trends to see if any of these plans fit my own.

I found it interesting when I stumbled across the list of “Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions” and while I admit that a few of these need to be included on my personal list, I found that none of these were a good fit for the Chamber. The ‘Top 10 Resolutions’ list from Yahoo included:

1. Spend More Time with Family and Friends

2. Fit in Fitness

3. Tame the Bulge

4. Quit Smoking

5. Enjoy Life More

6. Quit Drinking

7. Get Out of Debt

8. Learn Something New

9. Help Others

10. Get Organized

Again, these are great plans for personal accomplishment, but nothing of great use for the Chamber.

So from there I went on to research the meaning of the word ‘resolution’. According to Webster the word resolution means, “firm determination.”

Upon learning this I thought, for the Chamber’s purposes in planning, I’ll use the word ‘resolute’ as an adjective instead of the noun ‘resolution’ and I’ll just add this descriptive word to our mission and the plans already in place for the Chamber’s upcoming year. At last the task is complete!

So, please note that in the next year your Chamber of Commerce will continue to stand resolute in providing leadership and coordination for the advancement of economic vitality and quality of life for the total community.

We will strive to demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs and concerns of the people of Demopolis and Marengo County.

In fulfilling this mission we will continue to host events, promote local business, attract tourists, seek volunteers, welcome newcomers, educate citizens and so many of the other activities that make Demopolis a better place to live and work! Happy New Year!

-Kelley Smith is president of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce.