Keeping it real in uncertain times

Every month right about now, before The Bottom Line publishes, I sit down to write a message to our members. What our collective efforts are focused on, what we are celebrating, or for what we’re contemplating and seeking your expertise and talent. 

Today, this one, is most difficult. Let me begin first by saying we hear you, we see you, and we are here as we always have been to work with you and alongside you. I know something of what you’re experiencing, because I’ve been experiencing it too. 

Never before have circumstances out of our immediate control demanded such an intensity of focus, empathy, and crisis management competencies. 

It’s hard to believe that a little over two months ago we began learning of a grave pandemic spreading in a distant land, killing thousands, and forcing a city of 11.9 million to shut down. A month ago, we learned of outbreaks in American cities; not so distant at all. As March arrived in Oregon, so too did our state’s first confirmed coronavirus case reports. From there, as you know, it gets complicated. Much more complicated. 

A month ago, I never would have imagined writing an article about personal struggles or economic hardships. I never could have imagined having shifted our entire office operations to remote work, web-based meetings, and online programming. I never would have considered having to cancel events or create a virtual hub of information and resources on public health and economic disaster mitigation measures. I certainly did not plan to dive into a Q2 profit and loss financial projection for our nonprofit organization or consider where we might save money to save staff resources so that we could continue to help save our businesses. I know not one business small or large, or business owner, who has not experienced the same. In keeping it honest, allow me to go on.

I have fought back anxiety and tears. Quickly, because there was no time to “sit” on those emotions. I had to accept them as natural, and as having a place and a purpose, then quickly flip them to drive a laser-like focus on priorities, problem-solving, and solutions.

I have questioned conflicting information and a rush to judgment and decisions – my own and that of others. I determined I must filter out the noise to find critical content and rely on credible sources to make informed decisions. I trusted my instincts but relied on close confidantes to bounce around an important decision before acting.

I have sought advice and guidance from those I trust. I listened – a lot. Studied and read – a lot. I have taken to heart a number of golden nuggets of advice and encouragement: “Focus on what you know.” “Hope has not been cancelled.” I even found a new motto: Clarity is gold. 

I have had to accept that I can only do so much. That’s tough particularly when you hear the pleas of a small business owner whose dreams and livelihood, and that of their employees, may be at stake. It’s times like these that you dig in and commit to be better at what you do, and then do everything in your power to follow through.

Today, right now, life still feels a little uncertain and maybe a bit scary. Make no mistake, I see a path forward; a proverbial bridge to be built. Make no mistake, the chamber community will come together to build that bridge. There is a day on the other side, and there will be days in between. They won’t be easy. They will most certainly be different and at times uncomfortable, even painful. We may be forced to make decisions or take actions to save our businesses, our income, our livelihoods, our health. Decisions that we never would have considered otherwise, and that a month ago we could not have imagined. We will be called on to revisit our values and priorities. We will pivot and innovate, and possibly fail, as we persevere to succeed. We will face demands we may have never faced before. These will define us. We will find courage we never knew we had. We will learn from our experiences. We will be better at business, as people, and as a community.

Today, right now, I am extremely grateful for our healthcare workers, first responders, public safety and public health officials who are doing the best they can and are deserving of our encouragement and support. 

Finally, I encourage you to keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in our real-time, web-based programs and committee meetings. We certainly want to remain connected with you, give you a chance to connect with your chamber community, and bring to you the information and resources you need.

You can find staff emails here: https://business.springfield-chamber.org/groups/GroupRoster/chamber-staff-1503