I like this thought: You get what you give.  It can apply to so many things and attitudes.  From an athlete who works especially hard to excel at his sport, then reaps the rewards, to the BNI member who continually refers his fellow members, attends all meetings and consequently grows his business greatly by this participation.   We can go on and on about the benefits we receive from being a strong and involved chapter, but we must also remember that giving back to the chapter is just as important.
 
The book The Truth About Selling discusses the mind set of selling, stating: "The biggest inversion of all, the great upside-down misconception about sales, is that it's an effort to get something from others.  The truth is that sales at its best -- that is, at its most effective -- is precisely the opposite: it is about giving."  BNI can also be thought of as about giving: giving time, attention, counsel, education, empathy, and value.  The word "sell" comes from the Old English word sellan, which means -- you guessed it -- "to give".  Perhaps you already think of selling and BNI in a lot of the same ways.  BNI gives us the opportunity of educating our members/friends about our business and what we can give, as well as about what we need to grow our business.
 
I personally think we have an outstanding group of givers in our chapter.  Of course, I am quite partial on this subject!  All it takes, though, is looking at our numbers and past achievement as a chapter to illustrate our ability to "give".  And not only to give, but to work for our chapter.  All of you participate, with great heart, give when asked to, and lead when called upon.  What more could a person ask from a chapter?  Here is another quote:  "Shifting your focus from getting to giving is not only a nice way to live life and conduct business, but a very profitable way as well."  Put another way: living with generosity creates a swelling tide that raises all ships.  Not just yours, not just another person's, but everyone's!
 
Let's all move forward with the attitude of giving and the endless opportunity it provides us!