(Turns Out, Enthusiasm Is Worth at Least 1,100 Points)

Earlier this year, I attended my first Chamber Champions meeting through the Plano Chamber of Commerce. A Chamber Champion is their version of an Ambassador—and I’ll admit, I was hooked. I wanted in on this prestigious role.

Also… there was a badge involved.

The goal? Earn 1,000 points to qualify for an official Chamber Champion badge. At first, that number felt a little daunting. But I was reassured it was completely doable—and even more likely that I was already closer than I thought.

So, I did what any curious (and slightly competitive) person would do: I started tallying.

Earlier this year, I invited a few friends to visit the Chamber. They joined—points earned. Ribbon cuttings? Points. Chamber Champions meetings? More points. A few more ribbon cuttings for good measure… even more points.

When I finally added everything up, I had reached 1,100 points.

Not bad.

Today, fellow Chamber Champion Crystal Dobrenic of A1 Affordable Garage Door Services presented me with my official badge—and yes, it was worth every bit of the effort.

But here’s the thing: somewhere along the way, it stopped being about the points.

It became about showing up. Meeting people. Building relationships. Supporting others. In many ways, it echoes a simple principle from How to Win Friends and Influence People—bring genuine enthusiasm into what you do, and connections will follow.

That’s exactly what I’ve found through the Chamber.

I’m grateful to be part of a community that is so welcoming and engaged. Through my work with Home Run Pest & Termite Control and Abracadabra Lawn Pest & Weed Control, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with incredible people and be part of something meaningful.

I look forward to continuing to support the Plano Chamber—welcoming new members, strengthening relationships, and yes… probably attending a few more ribbon cuttings along the way.

Because apparently, that’s how I got here.