A Message From The President & CEO PATIENCE By Trish Christensen
W
ith this month’s theme on Hospitality and Tourism, I am keenly aware of the planning forward going on with us and by organizations around us. We are collectively ready to host people and gatherings, and to travel and explore freely once again. Nonprofits want to hold their annual fundraisers and individuals want to get away to see family, friends, and scenery. People are anxious to engage, to go to theaters, to stay in hotels and rentals, and to celebrate together. Hearing or seeing signs that advise masks are required, is a norm at this point, yet omicron is testing us. It is imposing upon us an ongoing element of patience, tolerance, and yes… continued adaptation.
COMMUNITY
In the best interest of our food vendors, members, sponsors, and attendees, we felt it was most appropriate to postpone our Annual Soiree from February 10th to March 10th. And now we wait, and hope things level off and numbers decline by then. We have not been alone in making similar decisions to postpone conferences, fundraising events, and celebrations. Isn’t postponing these things so much better then cancelling?
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I marveled at how seamlessly we moved standing meetings and programs from hybrid back to virtual only when omicron became a wildfire in mid-January. What a difference over the challenging process we all went through when we had to find ways to move to a virtual world earlier on in the pandemic. Covid is no longer robbing us of doing what we are here to do, and that feels empowering.
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
Please skim through this edition to find the 2022 Modesto Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors roster, along with the 39th Leadership Modesto Class roster. It is exciting to see so many new faces from such a variety of unique backgrounds and career paths. You will also find themed content shared by members, community partners, and our own summaries of program and committee meetings on our presenters and topics. We have something taking place for everyone these days, and we are always thrilled to see new faces join us for them. We continue to work with business big and small on sustainability and getting certified on the California Green Business Network, Stanislaus platform. Please let us know if you wish to learn more. We remain focused on expanding our Welcome Team which is a fun group of volunteers who come out with us to support business and greeters and take advantage of those moments to also network their own business. We really enjoy celebrating the success and growth of our business community! I encourage you to get out and support our dining, entertainment, and hospitality businesses, and as always… stay safe and healthy. With warm regards, Trish
