AS 2020 COMES TO A CLOSE, I think we can all agree that this has truly been a year to remember. No one could have predicted the impact the pandemic would have on our lives, our communities, and the world. Despite all the major changes and challenges that impacted us and most certainly changed our personal and professional lives, I continue to be proud of the members of our Greater Pascack Valley communities. Their commitment to each other and to our communities has shown that we truly care about each other! I am truly amazed at the number of volunteers who stepped up to feed healthcare workers, support the food banks, make masks, and volunteer their time to help in any way possible! If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we can come together and lift each other even in the worst of times.
It is unfortunate that many in our community are still struggling. Our food banks are still in need of donations. Fortunately, many in the community were able to take advantage of EIDL, PPP, and unemployment benefits – which hopefully kept a great number of businesses and individuals afloat.
With the pandemic forcing many businesses to come to a screeching halt, others moved to Zoom meetings, online sales, and online training. Our restaurants were able to convert to take-out, created outdoor dining space, and conform with the limited indoor dining requirements. We learned some new terms including social distancing, virtual learning, hybrid learning, and Covid-19.
We as a chamber were able to support the high school scholarship presentations, but we delayed our Citizen of the Year celebration, and cancelled our networking events. We promoted our local businesses (members and non-members) and will continue to do so in 2021. I look forward to the incoming year and to seeing what new initiatives and accomplishments we can achieve.
I would be remiss not to extend my utmost gratitude to our Secretary Christine Issackedes, Treasurer Sandra McLeod, Vice President Skip Kelley, and Directors Ken Baron, Michael Fitzsimmons, and Paul Wharton. I would like to personally thank each one for all their hard work, especially during this unusual year.
As we head into the holiday season, I encourage everyone to spend time virtually with your families, be thankful for all that we have, and continue to practice social distancing for the health and safety of all. It has been an honor to serve as the 2020 President!
Season’s Greetings!
Robin Malley, President
The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce
GPVCOC@gmail.com