Welcome to a new feature of our communications! As chairman of the association, I have been asked to create a monthly column. I hope that you will take a few moments to follow the content here. I intend to use this as a means to expand our ability to connect with each other.
Over the past ninety days, we have all been thrust into a crisis. It has been personal, professional, career challenging, eye-opening, and unexpected. As we begin to emerge from our hibernation, what lies ahead? New challenges lie in front of us. As businesses, how do we support our employees? Our customers? How do we find new streams of business revenue? As individuals, in what direction does our internal compass point us?
On a business note, we are all moving forward with similar goals, that of profitable existence. The adjustments that our association members are making now will shape our future. I am confident that the ingenuity of our people, including our Young Professionals, will provide us with ideas to drive the industry forward. The question in my mind is, ‘Will our organizations foster an environment in which entrepreneurship is encouraged? Or will we stay the course?’
On a personal note, this week I have broken out of my hibernation, and traveled to the west coast for business. I am seeing how individuals respond to the ongoing challenges in our environment. My Uber rides mandate use of masks, both passenger and driver. Hotels and restaurants mandate masks in order to get any service. My observation is that these practices are being accepted. But for how long? Of course, services are limited, people are still working from home, but positive emerging signs are there. Are these personal behavior requests sustainable? Time will tell…
As you break hibernation, stay safe! Enjoy an (old) new experience. Until next month…
