2 minute read
President’s Message
OLLABOR C EDUCA T I O N President’s Message
Leading People. Leading Prosperity.
| ADVOCACY | See the Possibilities: Create a Better Longview! Have you found yourself wanting “things” to be the way it was pre-pandemic or perhaps you are tired of the mixed emotions you are still experiencing? Well, you are not alone! ............................................................
Recently, I was listening to a message about being intentional post-Covid and that we must allow ourselves to grieve and realize the pandemic has been and still is traumatic for many of our businesses, our community, our health care system, our schools, our friends, our families, and ourselves. The speaker shared that it is healthy for us to take this opportunity and hit reset. So, I looked up the definition of reset and Merriam – Webster defines it as “to set again or anew”. Dictionary.com states it is “to adjust or fix in a new or different way”.
So, what does one do when it is time hit the reset button? Author and pastor Rick Warren shares a few best practices:
EXPECT to feel mixed emotions.
EXTRACT the lessons learned.
EVALUATE everything before resuming the activity.
ENGAGE slowly, do not be in a hurry.
ELIMINATE the non-essential.
EXCEL at what really matters most.
EMBRACE the new things post Covid.
EXPECT incremental change.
To be candid, this sounds a lot easier than it is! Here at the Chamber, we strive for excellence and pre-Covid our machine was well-oiled. Today, it takes three (3) to four (4) times as long do accomplish something. Why? Everything is having to be re-worked and re-worked. Are you feeling the same way? What did this past year teach you? Probably something along the lines of appreciate and value those you care about, focus on the things that matter most, and choose priorities wisely. Let us not go back to the ways before Covid. Join us and let’s get on with life! Together we can prioritize what is most important and look at new opportunities that will build community and strengthen our economy.
I am inviting you to re-engage with us! We want to embrace your strengths and leverage your influence to build even a stronger and better STRONGVIEW! Remember, there is no light switch that can be turned on to go back to the way it was. Longview belongs to us – you and me. Together we can make positive incremental changes to continue making good things happen! Initiatives like building LeTourneau’s Belcher Center, The Green, The Arboretum, the trails, and the Academy are great examples of how commitment and persistence can pay off! What will be next?
Will you make a conscious choice to make Longview a great place to live work and play? I hope you will make the choice to accept this POST COVID challenge to reboot, recharge, and reset! Are you ready and willing to become a pioneer again and do what it takes to create a better Longview by seeing the POSSIBILITES?
KELLY HALL CCE, IOM, MSL President/CEO Longview Chamber of Commerce
