FROM YOUR CEO BY: DOUG WILHOIT
DOUG WILHOIT
The cover story for April is about one
Thomas Paine (1737-1809) once stated: “These are the times that try
of our many community jewels—The
men’s souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this
Historic Stockton Civic Theatre—which
crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stand it
has provided so many wonderful
now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny (my
performances over the years that help
words–gangs and violence), like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we
attendees relax and place aside the
have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more
concerns of the day.
glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too
Entertainment of all kinds helps us to appreciate the talent, beauty,
lightly; ‘tis dearness only that gives everything its value.”
and artistry that surrounds us in this great community. The multiple
“Panic, in some cases, have their uses; they produce as much good as
venues here in Stockton, San Joaquin County, and the region give all of
hurt. Their duration is always short; the mind soon grows through
us—along with our families, friends and co-workers—the opportunity
them and acquires a firmer habit than before. But their particular
to share some time together away from the hustle and bustle of daily
advantage is, that they are the touchstone of sincerity and hypocrisy,
life. Please take advantage of the many choices we all have to enjoy
and bring things and men to light, which might otherwise have lain
the art and artists of our community for the wellbeing of all.
forever undiscovered.”
It is also important to the community that our mental outlook of the future of Stockton be strong, positive, optimistic, brave, involved and honest. We need to work our hardest together to move the entire community forward to add to our wonderful history. I have written many times these past 20 years that, for this positive momentum to take place, both elected officials and citizens “must involve everyone working as one to put aside politics, personalities, personal agendas, ego and/or misused power!” As the rubber meets the road, no slippage must take place as we travel down a road to success. Your Chamber pledges to help bring about positive change and support ideas that work for all and not for just a few. I could bloviate in regards to my next comment: What a shame the turnout for the Mar. 3 election was so dismal and irresponsible of the majority of the registered voters in our community, but thanks to those who took their right and obligation seriously and did vote. Those who chose to hide can come out from their “foxholes” on Tuesday Nov. 3 and use their right to vote! Remember the old saying: “If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem!” Just think about that for a moment! I could go on and on with my own thoughts, but will save you that agony and will instead invoke the words from the past. For as much as we move forward, challenges are always presented to us and those who came before us had some words of wisdom during their own challenging times. Hopefully, we will try to understand what was said and, if properly invoked, these words can make a difference. 6
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
“A bad cause will ever be supported by bad means and bad men.” And; “A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.” President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919): “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor souls who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” President Franklin D. Roosevelt (18821945): “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” And finally, Henry Ford (1863-1947): “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Please take the time to think about these words spoken so many years ago and try to put them in context of today, and where we want to go into the future of Stockton, California, and these United States of America! Also, congratulations to all who made the REXPO 2020 “Seeing the Green” (per Mr. FF), held at the Stockton Hilton on Mar. 11, a huge success. Thanks to all who made it happen and attended! We have POSTPONED our 39th Annual Golf Tournament till a date to be determined after we rise from this era in our lives. During this very trying time for our community, State, Nation and the World all of us here at your Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce know that we will all come out stronger than ever before and we will continue to do all we can to make sure that happens as we all pray and work together as one!