A Half Century of Lessons
by Dion McInnis
Fifty years ago, a Chamber of Commerce formed to help a developing community and its businesses harness the energy of growth and adventure born in space exploration. There were pioneers in many fields of work. They weren’t the only pioneers. A new community was being created while new frontiers were being discovered in space. None of this would have ever been possible without one key ingredient: great people.
When Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Joe Mayer asked if I would create profiles of some of the key people in the community as part of the Chamber’s 50th anniversary year celebration, I was both humbled and inspired. I countered with the concept of interviewing, photographing and writing profiles of 50 people as part of the 50th anniversary. The concept was accepted and the volunteer effort began June 2011 for 50: Years, Stories, Faces. The project will be completed summer 2012 and a book will be designed for fall 2012 release thanks to the volunteer design efforts of Mindi Funderburg. This project celebrates those great people and the lessons learned by their efforts, courage, risk-taking, vision and commitment.
