MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
We are all in uncharted territory right now doing everything in our power to navigate a landscape that nothing we’ve experienced before could prepare us for. Your Chamber staff is working harder than ever to keep you connected, informed, and engaged – just remotely; but make no mistake, we’re still here for you! We are taking necessary precautions to protect the health and well-being of those in our charge – our families, our employees, our customers, our neighbors and friends, our communities. At the same time we’re fighting with all we have to save our businesses and simply hang on.
But what about you, business leader? How are you taking care of you? It’s hard to put into words all of the emotions I have experienced in the past three weeks, but something inside continues to whisper “keep pushing” over and over; so that’s what I do. And if I had to guess, that’s what you do too. But you’re tired. The adrenaline rush is wearing off and you need a break. The struggle is that there’s only one you and things keep changing, so who’s gonna steer the ship if you take a nap, or gasp – a day off? Let me phrase it another way, if you don’t take a break, at what point does it not matter if it’s you steering because you’re worn too thin to bring your best? Even as I type this I realize that I am selling medicine I’m not taking; but I have enlisted help and am committed to doing better – even if it just means stepping away from computer for 20 minutes a few times each day and turning everything off for a few hours on the weekends.
In addition to all of the valuable intelligence for your business in our small business resource center and remote working tools, we’ve also been collecting and curating content focused on self-care – everything from tips on slowing down long enough to breathe, stretches to do at your desk to mental health tips from the pros and preparing for resiliency.
Your chamber team cares about you – not just your business, you! That’s why every day Michelle gets on the phone and makes as many check-in calls as she can, that’s why the rest of our team is working on new ways to get information to you smarter, leaner, faster because we want YOU to get back to focusing on what you’re best at and that’s providing your products and/or services to your customers. As always, please let us know if there is anything specific we can do to assist you. In the meantime, take a deep breath, remember your why, and focus on the things you can control. We love ya’ll!
