A former Richmond County resident spoke to over 20 members of the Chamber of Commerce at a planning conference on Tuesday to re-energize and plan for the upcoming 2010 calendar year.

“My job is make them think better and differently,” Danny Hearn, CCE President of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce said. “And to make sure they’re not satisfied with the status quo.”

According to Hearn, he presided over the Richmond County Chamber from 1976 to 1978 before relocating. He has since done work with chambers of commerce.

“He’s been around the block once or twice,” Emily Tucker, president of the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce said. “We’re lucky to have him.”

The planning retreat acts as a review of the prior calendar year and helps in the creation of a program of work for the year to come, Hearn said.

Included in the program of work he works with the chamber to set-up networking events, small business programs and build stronger business relationships.

“This is basically acts as a planning event for next year,” Tucker, said.

During Hearn’s lecture he stated that he wants the chamber to, “act as a collective,” and be an advocate and the voice of businesses in their area.

“So far they seem open to ideas (the Richmond County Chamber),” Hearn said. “Maybe this will help them identify areas they didn’t think they needed improvement,” Hearn said.

Representatives from several local entities such as the City of Rockingham, health care, food industry, school system and charities were present for the planning retreat.

According to Hearn, he travels around the country in his free-time to speak to other chambers and help build a stronger foundation.

“It’s my therapy, so-to-speak,” Hearn said. “I love giving back what I know.”

The planning retreat was held at the Rotary Lodge at Hinson Lake in Rockingham and lasted from noon until 5 p.m.

n Staff writer Bryan Stewart can be reached at 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at bstewart@yourdailyjournal.com.