THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE December 2020 NEWSFLASH, A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BY THE KENT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER BELOW.
And, just like that, the year 2020 is coming to an end. What may have seemed like the year that would never end is inevitably reaching its conclusion—and what a year it has been!
In the span of just a few days, we went from a booming economy to a stay-at-home directive. Business came screeching to a halt as the nation became swept up in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. We then traded the COVID-19 crisis for a tumultuous election. Meanwhile, wildfires ravaged large parts of the U.S., so much so that haze from the California wildfires made it all the way to the East Coast. And let’s not forget about the proliferation of murder hornets… or the mysterious drones that appeared over the skies of Colorado and Nebraska.
Despite it all, we endured. I saw the local community respond to the events that unfolded in 2020 with a tremendous amount of creativity, courage, and the collective will to learn from and navigate our way around each crisis and keep moving forward.
That’s the interesting thing, however—we responded. Just like private business, the Kent Chamber had to suddenly and quickly respond to the unfolding events of COVID-19, from disseminating information regarding COVID relief to hosting sessions where business and non-profits could share lessons learned regarding how they pivoted their respective organizations.
2020 threw so much at us that we never had enough time to reflect. As 2021 quickly approaches, I believe that will be the overarching theme as I, Susan, and the board guide the chamber into the future—reflection.
There is much to reflect on regarding the lessons we learned during 2020. We will take time in 2021 to really think about the actions we took this year and really delve into what worked and what didn’t. We will reflect on the roles chambers of commerce have traditionally played and what role they should play in the future. We will reflect on the value we can bring to not only our members but the entire community.
This reflection will provide the necessary insight and empowerment we need to continue adding the right type of value to the organization so we may continue to support our community to the highest level.
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Please carryout your holiday plans in a safe manner and don’t forget to take a little time for reflection. 2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year—buckle up.
Sam Shoge, Executive Director
About the Kent County Chamber of Commerce
With more than 300 member businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, the Chamber is Kent County’s premier business-to-business facilitator. Through our many unique programs, events, and advocacy, we provide a platform for leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to engage with each other to grow their respective organizations for the ultimate benefit of Kent County and its residents.
Interested in joining? Learn about the benefits of becoming a member today.
