By Alex Schimke, Billings Chamber Ag Committee Chair, Ag Lender, Stockman Bank
Has a handshake ever changed your life?
I know for me a hand shake still means everything, your word, your commitment. One handshake, one introduction can change everything; this rings especially true for me. I was in the Ag sales world and one random handshake unknowingly changed everything for me. I not only met a great friend but later an invitation to an Ag Committee meeting led to where I am now. That invitation let to my calendar filling up with great events that allowed me to engage my community, network with business leaders, elected officials, new friends.
Fast forward, I have the privilege to be the Chair of the Billings Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee. I have a new career only possible because of the wonderful people I have met through the Ag Committee. A casual conversation at an Ag Committee supported event led to doors opening to a new career.
As I reflect over the past few months as the Ag Committee Chair I am constantly reminded how God works throughout our lives in unsuspecting ways. What if I didn’t take the opportunity to Shake that hand? Where would I be now? What would I have missed out on? But, I keep my trust in God and take the opportunities he presents and never miss the opportunity for a handshake that could open the next door. I pray my story encourages you to take the opportunity to attend an Ag committee meeting or any other Chamber event and never miss the opportunity for a new handshake.
