ENTRANCE

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Shawn Conrad, CAE conrad@parking-mobility.org

EDITOR

Kim Fernandez fernandez@parking-mobility.org

TECHNICAL EDITOR

Rachel Yoka, CAPP, LEED AP BD+C, yoka@parking-mobility.org

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Bill Smith, APR bsmith@smith-phillips.com

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Tina Altman taltman@parking-mobility.org

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For subscription changes, contact Tina Altman, taltman@parking-mobility.org or 888.IPMI.NOW. Parking & Mobility (ISSN 0896-2324 & USPS 001436) is published monthly by the International Parking & Mobility Institute. P.O. Box 3787 Fredericksburg, VA 22402 Phone: 888.IPMI.NOW Fax: 703.566.2267 Email: info@parking-mobility.org Website: parking-mobility.org Postmaster note: Send address label changes promptly to: Parking & Mobility P.O. Box 3787 Fredericksburg, VA 22402 Interactive electronic version of Parking & Mobility for members and subscribers only at parking-mobility. org/magazine. Periodical postage paid at Alexandria, Va., and additional mailing offices. Copyright © International Parking & Mobility Institute, 2020. Statements of fact and opinion expressed in articles contained if Parking & Mobility are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent an official expression of policy or opinion on the part of officers or the members of IPMI. Manuscripts, correspondence, articles, product releases, and all contributed materials are welcomed by Parking & Mobility; however, publication is subject to editing, if deemed necessary to conform to standards of publication. The subscription rate is included in IPMI annual dues. Subscription rate for non-members of IPMI is $120 per year (U.S. currency) in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. All other countries, $150. Back issues, $10. Parking & Mobility is printed on 10 percent recycled paper and on paper from trees grown specifically for that purpose.

Growing Stronger Through the Pandemic

By David G. Onorato, CAPP

AS I WRITE THIS, It has been a little more than a year since the pandemic flipped life upside down. Whether it’s been personally or professionally, nobody has been left unscathed. We all experienced the challenges of mass business closures, remote working, social distancing, online interactions, protective masks and isolation.

Remember, it is not these challenges we are facing that define us—it is our response. The challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been an opportunity to tap into our greatest potential. The strength, compassion, and agility I’ve witnessed in the past year are unmatched.

I feel very fortunate to be a part of the parking and mobility industry in this difficult time. Colleague-to-colleague networking was a benchmark for our industry prior to the pandemic. As closures and isolation from the pandemic took hold, the prior emphasis on networking served as a springboard to launch new measures to maintain those relationships. IPMI took the lead by offering webinars and Shoptalks online. In addition, IPMI worked with individuals and organizations to maintain the membership affiliations through difficult financial times.

While IPMI took steps to allow people to stay connected, the ultimate credit for it goes to the individual members. Your ability to adapt to these unfamiliar methods of communication and interaction created a seamless adjustment to this new way of life.

On a personal note, I know the isolation many people are experiencing can be discouraging. Stay strong. Stay positive. Stay healthy. We will get through this. I’ve been so impressed with the resilience I’ve seen, as people turn their homes into offices, gyms, and movie theaters—finding new and creative ways to stay busy and connected. This ordeal has shown me how critical human interaction is in our lives. I’m so inspired to see that even though our interactions may be limited, our spirit and determination to stay connected are allowing us to find new pathways to come together. It we be a great day when we can all meet again in person to rekindle our relationships. That day is coming, and soon.

Until we meet again. Stay strong. Stay positive. Stay healthy. ◆

DAVID G. ONORATO, CAPP, is executive director of the Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh and chair of IPMI’s Board of Directors. He can be reached at donorato@pittsburghparking.com.