Business

At its inception, the members of the Character Council realized that working with the business leaders would be a big boost in promoting moral character, and doing so would help the local businesses, as well; surely a win-win situation.

          Since 2001 nearly twenty businesses, with the backing of their owners or managers, have stepped forward in supporting the Character Council in its efforts to promote moral character within Gilchrist County.

          For some of its projects, the Character Council needs gifts in kind. In other instances it requires funds to be able to obtain items for its events and projects. For instance, in order to complete one of the 2006 projects, supplies were needed to craft the Council’s mascot, the “Cari K. Tree’ costume. Since that time “Cari K. Tree’ has made appearances in the annual “Veteran’s Day Parade” and the “Bell Christmas Parade,” the annual “Down Home Days" festival, and he/she has kept a watchful eye at events like the January “Kick-off Breakfast Meeting,” the April “Character Celebration” and the August “Community Character Forum.”

          To give back to the businesses for their support, the Character Council sends personal letters of “Thank You” as well as recognizing each business at the annual “Character Celebration” with the presentation of a special “character” certificate. The Council also keeps each business on its "Character Chronicle“ newsletter list, so that the business can stay informed about meetings and events.

          For the businesses that are interested, the Council also shows its appreciation by giving the owner/manager an Achieving True Success book. One local business, Ayers Rehab Center, is a “Business of Character.” It includes in its monthly employee meeting, and newsletter, education on the current character trait of the month. Because of the manner in which that business has been leading its personnel in character traits, it can boast of having less employee turnover than in past years, and the survey asked of residents, indicated that the attitude of the employees was wonderful.