Central PA Chamber Launches Blue Ribbon Campaign

Todd Ross (right), President T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. accepts a "Who I Am Makes a Difference" Blue Ribbon from Maria Culp, President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce as part of the Chamber's Blue Ribbon Campaign.

In today's world of doom and gloom and use of scare tactics to influence our actions studies show these real statistics:

In the past 30 years adolescent suicide has increased 400% (APP).
2 out of every 3 Americans show low self esteem (Gallup Poll).
Every 17 seconds in the United States a child is arrested. Children in the US are 10 times more likely to commit murder than comparable aged youths in Canada (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).
30% of young people drop out of school before getting their high school diploma (First 5 California).
The average child hears 432 negative statements per day, but only 32 positive statements per day (Jack Canfield, self esteem expert).
60% of people in the workplace cited gossip as the number one problem (Staffing firm Randstad).
80% of people are hurt by words. Research shows that only about 20% of children and adults are able to handle put downs without emotional pain or psychological damage (California Task Force for Personal and Social Responsibility).

Now imagine living in a community where all people are confident, encouraged to live their dreams and are passionate about making the world a better place.

The Central PA Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Difference Makers International and their "Who I Am Makes A Difference" Blue Ribbon Campaign. We believe, as a Chamber, that it is imperative to let those that make a positive impact on our lives know that they have in fact made a difference. As adults, we sometimes forget how important it is to express that. Whether it is because we are embarrassed to admit how we have been affected or never found the right words or the time to tell someone that they have inspired us; we believe that it is time to embrace the positive impacts in our lives and on our communities that so many people have made. Now is the time to acknowledge our appreciation and respect to people of every age, race, religion, nationality and economic status who have made a difference in our lives.

We began our mission to implement this new campaign quietly with our Board of Directors by introducing it to them at our August board meeting; since it is because of them that there has been such a positive change here at the Chamber. The Directors were shocked at how simple, powerful and moving this process is. It is amazing to see how a simple gesture of appreciation and a Blue Ribbon can change a life forever.

The spirit of the Blue Ribbon has thrived throughout communities since 1980, touching more than 30 million people. They have told stories of how this Blue Ribbon Campaign healed broken marriages, stopped fights, increased grades and raised self-esteem. One of these Blue Ribbons is credited to saving a 14 year-old boy who was contemplating suicide.

We would like to invite you to join us and become a part of the "Who I Am Makes A Difference" Blue Ribbon Campaign and to share with other that who you are does make a difference. We encourage you to share this with your friends, neighbors, relatives, and employees.

Please call the Chamber or stop in to see how you can become a part of the "Who I Am Makes A Difference" Blue Ribbon Campaign (570) 742-7341. We look forward to hearing your stories and experiences which you will soon be able to post on our website at www.centralpachamber.com.