Good-bye 2020, Hello 2021!
What a year it has been! To those who have persevered and re-invented against formidable odds, we salute you. To patrons and customers who helped to make that possible despite their own considerable struggles and challenges, we salute you.
Each of us has been called upon to adapt and make sacrifices large and small, from the child sitting in a virtual classroom to the business owner staring at financial statements. We have allowed ourselves now, silently for fear of “jinxing it,” to breathe a slight sigh of relief as vaccines begin to be distributed.
Masks, hand sanitizer, social distancing, and Zoom were the trappings of 2020. A year that began so “normally” and promisingly soon evolved into one of constant changes and pivots. Like you, the Chamber has had to adapt and adjust. We were able to hold some of our events and meetings this year in person, with care and precaution. Others we’ve had to move online, and discovered in the process that an online presence has opened up new opportunities for us and for our members, in convenience and access. Some of our events, like the current Tinsel Trail tree festival in the Town of Fincastle, seemed made-to-order for safe and healthy participation.
As challenging as this year has been, it has also been a year that has pulled us closer together. Travel precautions have encouraged us to explore our many local outdoor and historical attractions, places that others travel miles to see and experience. The challenges that our friends, neighbors, and local businesses have faced have encouraged us to think and buy local. The constant changes have forced us all to pivot in ways that we would not have thought possible before. In the process it has strengthened us, and given us a new sense of understanding for the interdependence of our county-wide community.
In looking back at 2020 we are filled with a feeling of gratitude for the support that we have received. Our members, sponsors, volunteers, directors, and officers have all continued to move forward with enthusiasm. We’ve had amazing turnouts for events such as our annual meeting and annual dinner, and everyone has shown great flexibility as we’ve moved to various iterations of in-person, hybrid, and virtual meeting formats. New members continue to join. As confusing and stressful as these last 12 months have been, I believe that we will remember this year as a time when our communities pulled together, rose to the occasion, and got stronger.
As we prepare to greet 2021, we look forward to the promise of a more “normal” time. Whatever normal turns out to be! 2021 will be sure to present a new set of challenges and opportunities, and as always, the Chamber will continue to be here for our members, and for our communities. We welcome your involvement, your feedback, and suggestions. We thank you again for your support of our local businesses and of the Chamber, now and in the future!
