PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

by Tom Archambault AASP-MN President

Light at the End of the Tunnel

As I write to you, there are fewer snow piles in my yard than yesterday, the birds are chirping just a little earlier in the morning and the sun is setting just a little later in the afternoon. By all accounts, springtime is approaching here in Minnesota. However, we would be foolish to think that we won’t see one or two more snowstorms before we can really call it spring!

I have always enjoyed spring. It is a time of new beginnings. It is a time to open the doors and windows to let the fresh air and sunshine in. It is a time to tidy up and organize things because it just feels good to do it.

As great as the above-mentioned spring rituals feel, there is none more satisfying than getting outside and reconnecting with friends and neighbors! I think for most of us this spring has more meaning than in years past. One year ago, when we were yearning for that connection, it was halted due to the global pandemic. Life changed. Business changed. The operators in our industry put their heads down and started grinding away doing whatever was necessary to get through.

During that time, the various boards and committees met online to conduct the business of the Alliance. One common lament was shared at every meeting…the desire to be together in person. Under the great leadership of the Alliance’s Executive Director Judell Anderson, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Prior to Governor Walz loosening some COVID-19 restrictions in March, Judell had been working feverishly (but without a fever) on plans to get us back together in person when restrictions allowed. I am happy to report that her efforts have paid off and we will soon see each other masked-face to masked-face!

So, please mark your calendars and sign up to attend the upcoming Leadership Conference on May 20 and the Annual Golf Outing on June 16. The Race for Education, typically held in January, will take place September 28 – 30.

I look forward to seeing all of you very soon!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS MARCH 2021

MasterTech Auto & Tire Newport, MN