Is it hot enough for ya? Yes, I know that is a lame statement. I was reminded just how hot it was last week when I came home from a weekend away and went to turn on my central air unit. After a few hours of the fan blowing and cleaning up after myself, I realized things weren’t cooling off at all. By 3 a.m. it was clear there was something wrong.
First world problems, I know. My coping mechanisms usually bounce like a super ball between Chicken Little “The Sky is Falling, The Sky is Falling” and a Buddhist monk remembering that existence is suffering.
Realizing I am not going to be the only one in this situation facing the hottest weather of the year with no air, I called to add myself to the call back list through my trusty Loescher Heating and Air conditioning repair line.
In the grand scheme of things, I could survive without central air. I grew up without even a window air conditioner, so central air really is a luxury to me. However, for those who must encounter me on a daily basis — my temperament is much nicer when I am not sweating profusely.
Now, I’ve known that my central air unit has been on borrowed time since I bought my house. I am sure that it had to be at least 30 years old. I should have been completely prepared for its replacement.
As human nature would have it, not so much. I got comfortable with the fact that my air was working just fine. I took care of it and did not abuse it. I kept an eye on it and got used to it being there, doing the job it was designed to do. But when it all comes down to it, it has a lifecycle and taking action to replace it was necessary.
I had choices. Do I go without it? Invest in another unit that will continue to keep me from being cranky an irritable because I remember all too well what it was like before central air? For everyone’s benefit, I had a new one installed.
In the past few weeks, our community has heard the announcement from two of our most respected, dedicated, passionate and influential members.
Mike Sanders, President and CEO of Monroe Clinic and Hospital has announced he will be stepping in to a new role in his life and will be allowing his successor to be named.
John Bauman, President and CEO of Colony Brands has also announced his plan to transition the leadership of his company. Both men have led not only their respective industries but seem to have an innate ability to lead by example and broaden the passion to make Monroe an incredible place to be.
The longevity of such dedicated individuals is amazing and our community has been the beneficiary of their vision and commitment. With respect to their involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, I can say that I am a loss for words to adequately articulate the impact they directly and indirectly have on our business community.
The human condition may have caught us off guard as a community but, men of vision plan for everything and succession is part of growth. We know everything evolves and changes.
We are so accustomed to hearing “they don’t make them like that anymore” when referring to appliances or cars or central air units. And although the strength and lifecycle of leaders is not the same as that of mechanical devices, I think the phrase still holds true: “They don’t make them like that anymore.”
Fortunately, the legacy of these men will not conclude when they no longer check in to the office on a daily basis.
Leadership and character will be seen in those who have been able to work for and with these individuals. It will be exciting to see how they will focus their talents and energy in the future. Thanks!
— Melissa Even is the executive director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.
