Time to finalize your wish lists – the holidays are here. I always love this time of year, as it reminds me of all I have to be thankful for. But why reserve gratitude for the month of December? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone maintained the warm-and-fuzzy holiday spirit year-long?

Spirit is the backbone of everything. It’s what drives us to work, pursue our passions and connect with each other. People identify not with your product or services, but with the culture of the organization. Business comes with a lot of responsibilities, but any good company should also mind its social responsibility to the community in which it thrives. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is certainly an organization with plenty of spirit, enabling us to see huge impacts in so many sectors. This year, I urge you to direct some of that powerful spirit to giving.

Even small acts given with sincerity and purpose can make a huge difference. Select a cause that is aligned with your organization’s mission, and therefore more likely close-to-heart for everyone within. Giving comes in all forms – discover the real needs to fulfilling your cause and get as creative as you want, whether it be monetary or time donations, partnerships, or sustainable programs. Most importantly, get your people involved. Allowing them to use their talents and skills for a greater cause can renew their passion for work and uplift the overall human spirit of your organization. As I mentioned above, ongoing and continued philanthropic support is so much more impacting than larger one-off moments.

I’ll close with a fond farewell to 2011, but also a spirited welcome to 2012. May it be filled with even greater achievements and fulfilling moments that we’re so proud to have experienced thus far, but may we also  reciprocate our good fortunes with our support of community causes.

A safe and wonderful holiday to all!

At your service,

Jason Loeb, Sudsies

Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.