Excellence caught

By Tim Eberhart, executive director
Rainsville Chamber of Commerce
Newspaper column for August 6, 2010 edition

A little over a half century ago, the Green Bay Packers were in a big slump. From 1948 to 1957 the team had a dismal record of 36 wins, 82 losses and one tie. They hit rock bottom in 1958 with a record of 1-10-1.

Then they hired Vince Lombardi to be their head coach. He famously said in his first meeting with his new team, “I have never been on a losing team, gentlemen, and I do not intend to start now.”

He also said, “perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”

For the nine years Lombardi led the Packers, they caught excellence, indeed.

From 1959 to 1967, Lombardi’s Packers compiled a record of 89-29-4 and won five NFL championships. Now the coach, the team, the team’s uniform, and even the team’s stadium, are all legendary. Ten Lombardi-era players are in the NFL Hall of Fame. And, the super bowl trophy is named the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Back in present-day Rainsville, excellence was recently caught when DesLyne and Ron Waits, owners of the Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in Rainsville were honored with a sales achievement award at the 79th Annual Merle Norman Cosmetics Convention held at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Only three studios out of over 1,200 receive this award each year. Congratulations, DesLyne and Ron.

In other local business news, one of Rainsville’s biggest events of the year will be this Saturday morning at the coliseum. It is the 56th Annual Meeting of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, a company that has been known for its excellence now for part of seven decades. Dozens of door prizes will be given away including an HD LCD TV and a chevy pickup. Karen Peck and New River will perform, and the members will elect trustees for the Rainsville and Fyffe exchanges. For details, see the big newspaper ad.

I also have some August milestones to share. Parties Unlimited held a grand opening and ribbon cutting two years ago on August 1, 2008. The company, located at 1282 Main Street East, rents wedding equipment, inflatables, and much more.

Another business, Orchard Lanes is turning three. It opened in August 2007. For a limited time at the bowling center, Wednesdays are Dollar Days, Fridays are Family Fun Days, and Saturdays are for Nite Owls.

Contact info

Rainsville Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 396; Rainsville, AL 35986

115 Main Street West
PHONE: 256-638-7800