Good afternoon everyone …
We have approached a critical decision-making time for the Chamber Awards Dinner & Spring Training Event scheduled for March 21
st
.
Before we announce our decision, let me explain some of the factors that have helped us come to our decision.
First and foremost, we do not take public safety and health lightly. The very meaning of “commerce” is to bring people together, however doing so and putting others at risk is not something that YOUR Chamber wants to engage in.
I was at a small event Thursday, where the person speaking before me was the COO of the Vanderbilt Health System. He made a very clear point by saying, “you may not be at risk of losing your life, but if this accelerates as it has around the world, and you and your family have to take up a few hospital beds, real emergencies will not be able to be treated. The public needs not to think of themselves, but the
unintended consequences
of their actions.” How would we feel if we had to turn away a heart attack or accident victim, because there are no available hospital beds?
As we discussed this with our team, and various others, this final comment made the decision very clear for our board … “The purpose of your event is to have a party. If those that are coming are uncomfortable, is this the atmosphere and feeling you want?”
Based on the latest news and information, and after numerous discussions with the Board of Directors, City and Township Officials, and many of our Sponsors, the Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce has reluctantly postponed the Awards Banquet originally scheduled for March 21
st
.
YOUR Chamber will still hold the $10,000 Raffle on Saturday night sometime. The time will be announced soon. There is nothing that will stop us from handing over that $10,000 prize to someone! The event will be live streamed on Facebook so you can all follow along and toast the winners when we know who they are. Or, they can toast you!
As for the future date of the event, that will be discussed and decided upon in the coming weeks. Your tickets that have been pre purchased can be applied to that event. You will also have the option to either donate the funds to the Chamber or apply to your membership. Please be patient with us as we formulate a plan and announce a formal policy after our Wednesday Board Meeting on March 18
th
.
Thank you for your outstanding support of the Chamber, and remember, we still are OPEN for Business!
Your Board of Directors
