Annual Chamber dinner ushers in 2003 years ago
By JENNIFER WILSON
News editor
You couldn't miss the keynote speaker at Monday night's Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce annual meeting and dinner.
He was the one wearing a rainbow-colored wig, bright green sweater, and antennae on his head.
His name is Bill Peterson, and he brought humor to the night's festivities, which featured a catered meal and the introduction of this year's chamber officers. The event was held at the Parkview M.B. Church, and approximately 100 people attended.
Joel Klaassen of the Hillsboro Free Press was introduced as the chamber president for 2003. President-elect is Jared Jost of Hillsboro Memorial Chapel, administrative vice president is Shelly Rooker of Hillsboro State Bank, and treasurer is Mike Ryan of Hillsboro Community Medical Center.
Each year, chamber officers are selected by the chamber board of directors. In addition to the four officers, this year's board also includes Sonya Fisher, Country Haven Inn; Cara Marrs, Tabor College; Tim Sullivan, Parkview M.B. Church; Jayson Hanschu, American Family Insurance; Juanita D'Albini, Central National Bank; Becky Nuss, Real Estate Specialists; Jeanne Rziha, Health Post; and Cynthia Fleming, Emprise Bank.
After a meal catered by Melissa Bartel, it was time for Bill Peterson's message to the crowd.
Peterson worked in health care for 25 years — most recently, as administrator at the Herington hospital — before he decided to become a motivational speaker full-time.
Peterson's message was clear: Everyone needs humor.
Especially in the hard times. Peterson recalled his hometown's reaction in 1995, when officials learned that there was a connection to Herington from the Oklahoma City bombing.
"There was an innocence taken away that will never be back again," Peterson said.
But by using humor, Herington residents were able to overcome that dark period.
Humor also takes your mind off the things in life that aren't so important, he said. It helps you take yourself more lightly.
But humor isn't just a mental pickup — it's a physical one, too.
Laughter increases air flow, heartrate, and alertness. It reduces pain and stimulates both sides of the brain.
Both laughter and tears are healthy for the human body — they're part of "emotional movements" that everybody needs to have, Peterson said.
A child typically laughs three to four times a minute, while an adult normally laughs 15 times a day. Adults need to become more childlike, he said.
"Silliness is a blessing," Peterson said.
It's also vital for adults to cultivate a life outside of work, he said. Take time to celebrate the rest of your life — leave work problems at the workplace.
Peterson also advised to take risks. Don't be afraid to mess up.
"Everyone of you is going to fail at something," he said.
In the end, you won't judge your life by how successful you are in business — you'll be more concerned with how you treated other people.
After Peterson, Jeanie Reiswig, the 2002 chamber president, officially retired from her position.
The year saw changes, especially with the resignation of Carol Wiebe and Rhonda Toal, Reiswig said. But the board members saw things through.
"I am very happy with the way the year turned out," she said.
Finally, new president Klaassen ended the night with closing comments.
"This year we have a great board — a lot of talent — and we'll put that talent to use," he said.
