As I write this and gaze at the calendar–yes, I still use a paper calendar and an e-calendar–I can’t believe how quickly this year has flown. It certainly was not the cure all we anticipated but it also helped pave the way to recovery, which is an ongoing activity.

At the end of last year, very few of us saw supply chain, workforce issues, and inflation on the horizon. We were happy to have a vaccine and we dreamed of an end to this virus. But 2021 continued our challenges and brought us some new ones.

But we’re not giving up!

Even as a statewide indoor mask mandate is issued, we will continue to work hard for the businesses in our community and beyond. We don’t have all the answers but we are plugged into a network that helps us share solutions and best practices.

We’ll get through these things together.

Speaking of getting through challenges together, do you know someone (or a business) who has done some incredible things for the community? Then you should nominate them for a Business Excellence Award. View the complete list of awards and register here. Nominations close 1/7/2022.

If you’re struggling with something in your business and you’re lost on a solution, bring it to us. It’s likely we’ve seen it before or know someone who has. We’ll help you with education, resources, connections, and advocacy.

Together, we’ll progress boldly into this new year armed with the strength of what we’ve learned and the power of this wonderful community.

We’re here to help. Let us know what you need.