Beyond the Mission Statement

Have you heard? A new 17STRONG initiative has arrived! An initiative aiming to make the City of Hamilton an even stronger and better place to live and work. As a movement, 17STRONG has focused its attention primarily on each neighborhood of the city, but what about the businesses and organizations that are also part of those neighborhoods and make up the city?  

In August, the Greater Chamber of Commerce opened its doors, and twenty individuals from the city met for the first time to discuss that very topic. Those in attendance represented big and small businesses, non-profit organizations, local government, and churches from the neighborhoods. Individuals with a collective sense of making Hamilton better. 

Pride in Place has been established to give proper recognition to those businesses and organizations that help make Hamilton worthwhile. This initiative isn’t to highlight the work or services being provided daily; no, this initiative is to bring attention to the work beyond the work. Nor is it a popularity contest, as it won’t matter if a company has one person or a thousand. Whether they are well-known or unknown. What will matter is that those who actively create welcoming spaces, who constantly provide great examples of tidiness, and show up daily in this regard, even without recognition, are finally brought forward for their efforts. 

A better Hamilton is a group effort, and 17STRONG is seeking strong partners in this endeavor. Businesses and organizations that promote clean, safe, and inviting properties, participate in community clean-ups, engage in local events, or those companies whose culture promotes volunteerism and community building. These efforts should be known. 

For this initiative to be meaningful and something that lasts for many years, it will need your support. Your support is essential in recognizing those businesses and organizations. Although Pride In Place is just beginning, it isn’t too early to start the recognition process using the Pride in Place Nomination Form. If you have a business, organization, or church in mind already, take a moment to recognize them. 

Recognition and public acknowledgement of these efforts can have a lasting impact. Those recognized will be highlighted in a monthly social media feature and receive a distinct door display visible to every customer. And the most outstanding in their neighborly actions will receive an award at the annual Neighborhood Summit. This recognition demonstrates how their values stretch beyond the mission statement.

The above article was written by 17STRONG Outreach Committee Member, Chris Norton.