ENTRANCE

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Shawn Conrad, CAE conrad@parking-mobility.org

EDITOR

Kim Fernandez, CAE 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.

The Shadow Proves the Sunshine

By Mark Lyons, CAPP

CAN WE ALL GO AHEAD AND ACCEPT the notion that it is not going to be a typical summer? Based on the events of 2020, it’s clear that nothing remains in focus all of the time. The 2021 IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo will start in Tampa, Fla., Nov. 29; there is nothing normal about that. Some schools and employees are only beginning to return to work and school. Predictions suggest that most family travel this summer will be restricted to local or regional trips. Not normal. Perhaps we needed this paradigm shift to acknowledge the realization that change can produce a positive outcome?

Changes in normalcy and the claim of dark times ahead prompted me to reflect on how sometimes experiencing the shadows of life helps one see the light. I love the song, “The Shadow Proves the Sunshine,” written by one of my favorite musicians and song writers, Jon Foreman of Switchfoot. The song reflects on how even horrific situations that occur in life and culture will rebound, bringing hope and positivity. In so many ways, today we are seeing this to be true.

Nobody should marginalize the effect of the pandemic. But consider for a moment the positive side effects that have resulted and changed our thinking and actions. Families spend more quality time together. We fought to stay healthy more than ever before. Industries synergized to develop vaccines and healthcare recovery equipment. There is a newly gained appreciation for many professions, such as classroom teaching, health care workers, and yes, even the parking/mobility profession. Countless numbers of parking professionals were on the frontline, helping small businesses recover from the losses of the past year, and that helps keep people working. When we experience the shadows of life, stop and recognize that a positive light still exists. And it is in these moments people step forward and prove the goodness and strength in humanity.

That not-so-normal future could very well become the positive future we seek and need. Keep up the good work and fighting the good fight. The future of our profession is bright if we continue to accept change and anticipate the positive outcomes. I am proud to be associated with you. When we meet again in November, I expect that we can all now relate in ways we never imagined before! ◆

MARK LYONS, CAPP, is parking division manager for the City of Sarasota, Fla., and a member of IPMI’s Board of Directors. He can be reached at mark.lyons@sarasotafl.gov.