So many of us have jampacked days filled with meetings, events, email, paperwork … and more meetings! It's very easy to get caught up in our day-to-day responsibilities, not taking a minute to think about the future. I challenge you to take some time to plan.

Every year, the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation holds an "annual summit" where all volunteer chamber leaders representing various communities throughout the Lehigh Valley and Carbon County meet to share ideas and best practices.Throughout the session, there is reflection on past practices and, more importantly, discussion on future planning to strengthen and support our communities.The session takes about three hours and is led by the community leaders following a collaborative agenda.Action items and meeting notes are disbursed to all local chambers and councils that will ultimately assist in planning sessions.Each area chamber and council will take the time to hold a planning session over the summer that will help them prepare to host future programs, events and initiatives supporting local businesses and the community; taking the time to plan, to support the mission.Get out of the office! I've been a part of a number of strategic planning sessions, visioning initiatives and team building exercises.The best results happen when you actually get out of the office and hold these types of meetings off-site. A different environment lends the opportunity for a fun and relaxed atmosphere to help foster creative ideas.Team building is a fun way to help your team bond outside of the office. Plan a bus trip to the city or a park.While on the bus, take the time to thank your staff, have fun facts to share and get them pumped up as a coach would do on the way to a game!Once you are at your destination, allow the staff to have some free time to explore and then meet up for dinner. Enjoy the bus ride home and unwind.You'll be surprised by the spike in morale, new ideas and excitement created; all just by having some fun.There are a number of organizations that offer team building right here in our area. Blue Mountain Resort offers "fun, educational, relaxing and inspiring activities to help improve team performance and cohesiveness."The staff will work with your company on packages that will serve your specific needs. It is a fun and inspiring day outside of the office. Board directors and staff at the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation meet on a monthly basis, taking time during each meeting to plan for our future.Please feel free to send us your ideas and feedback as we continue to move forward to support our businesses, communities and economic development in Carbon County.Take some time to step away from the office, motivate your staff and have fun. In the end, you will find that inspiring ideas will surface and staff morale will be much higher. If you need ideas or a space to host a retreat, give us a call!Marlyn Kissner is exceutive director for the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber.