Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce
Charlie E. Hardy is a former Chamber President who presided over the organization for two terms from 1998 until 2002. In conjunction with the Chamber’s 50th anniversary, he wrote the article published here, which shares his memories and his current perspectives. He delivers more wisdom in a video that is posted on the Chamber’s Website—www.tuskegeeareachamber.org.
Charlie E. Hardy
I count it a blessing to have been extended an invitation to attend a Chamber meeting from Jess Colson and Clarence Marable. This was in 1997 and Dean Benjamin Newhouse was Chamber President. We convened in the Chamber office at 121 South Main Street. After listening to the discussion, when I returned home, I indicated to my wife, Lillie that we should get involved with the Chamber. Subsequent to Dr. Newhouse, I was elected to serve as President.
My first meeting as President was convened at the Tuskegee University Kellogg Conference Center. Board members present were: Clarence W. Jones, Iverson Gandy, Tommy Robinson, Cynthia Walford, Robin Banks, Major Holland, Rozell Chappell, Jess Colson, Charles Thompson, and Ida Wells.
I expressed my gratitude for the confidence shown in electing me President. Our goal was to elevate the visibility of the Chamber by changing our messaging and presence in the community. It was during this session that Chamber officials agreed to consider a name change to enhance branding. The name Tuskegee has tremendous market value. Upon my recommendation, it was determined that we would be known as the Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce. The inclusion of the word “AREA” encompasses all surrounding municipalities within Macon County.
Major Holland, Lillie Hardy, and Barbara Giles were appointed to design the logo and recommend the theme. The theme that was presented and approved by the board was “We are Open for Business.” Under my leadership, the Chamber also introduced the “Ambassadors” program. The organizers of the Ambassadors were Lillie C. Hardy and Flora Gaillard, Co-Directors. The Ambassadors were very popular in the community. They were very visible and helpful at public events.
As an entrepreneur, it has been my experience that you should always determine the needs and desires of the customer. Our administration developed a “Quality of Life Survey as a community assessment tool. We invited citizens to come to the Tuskegee Municipal Complex and complete the survey. The major questions posed were: What kind of businesses or services could grow in the Tuskegee-Macon County area? What is the greatest barrier to business or community development in this area? What is the Tuskegee Macon County area’s greatest asset? This Quality-of-Life Survey allowed citizens to fully express their concerns for economic viability.
The last major accomplishment of our administration was to receive a $40,000 grant to institute tourism as a part of our economic development. The purpose was to position the Chamber as the driving force concerning tourism as an economic engine in Macon County.
As a business leader and academician, I would be remiss if I failed to make some serious observations. The Chamber is in a unique position again to be a catalyst for change in our community. During my administration, I did my level best to influence a culture change. I perceived the Chamber to be an organization comprised of business leaders promoting three basic principles. Empirical research has proven that sustainability of any entity comes from “Organization, Teamwork, and Communication.
When we apply a SWOT Analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) to our community we are in a very enviable position. We have a world-class Institution of Higher Education located in the community. We have a major federal facility (Veterans Administrations Hospital), and a major presence of The Tuskegee Airmen alongside the National Park Service.
We only reference the past so as not to repeat the failures of those times. We associate ourselves with those who only glance backward but who are casting bold visions towards the future.
Our most outstanding event during my administration took place in an executive committee meeting of the Chamber board. Those present were: Charlie E. Hardy, President Board Members James Wright, Roland Vaughan, Paul Davis, Major Holland, Howard Burton, Robert Davis, and Artie Menefee. This was a planning meeting for hosting United States Senator Richard Shelby. He had responded to my invitation to address our Chamber. Prior to our invitation, Senator Shelby had not ever been invited to Tuskegee. I appointed a special task force to plan the program. This was the introduction of “Eggs and Issues” as a Chamber project. The event took place in February 2001 in the Kellogg Conference Center at Tuskegee University.
I am currently reading a book that will be recommended to students who are being prepared for future leadership. The book is entitled “Change” by John P. Kotter known as the “Father of Change Management.” There is another buzzword to add to your lexicon that is “pivot.” The pandemic has revolutionized the way we will do business going forward and pivoting is imperative. Tuskegee/Macon County has a unique story to share with the world. As an entrepreneur, in 2005, I founded Centre for Excellence, LLC as a Leadership and Business Development Consortium. Following the leadership of Booker T. Washington, WEB Dubois, and George Washington Carver we must continue to be proponents of thought leadership.
Our late great leader Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. states” Genuine leaders have the ability to articulate, initiate, and follow through on their vision.” According to Kotter, leadership is about establishing a direction and vision for the future, aligning people around that vision, and then motivating and inspiring them to take action.
Your Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce is available to partner with all stakeholders in Macon County to turn Dreams and Potential into Reality. We are still “Open for Business.”
