December 2022 - President’s Message
We have reached the end of 2022. Let me say that differently, you have reached the end of 2022. Congratulations! A year that has brought to an end many challenges for your business, and for many businesses.
It goes without saying, this year marked the end of a pandemic and with it the lockdown rules and safety regulations. These took a toll on our restaurants, retail store fronts, and many other businesses. 2022 brought a drastic year of increase in the real estate market, which has affected business for our agents, buyers, and sellers. Lastly, with the rise (in safety & convenience) of online shopping, the year has taken a real toll on the “Shop Local” strategy for many businesses who rely on your dollars. It has been a challenge.
But enough with all of this doom and gloom talk. Talk like this takes a toll on all of us, I know it does for me. Let’s choose to be thankful for the year, let’s be positive and optimistic as we go into 2023.
If we choose to be positive and make a list of three things to be thankful for coming out of 2022, we put ourselves in a better place to start the New Year, and ensure we are successful. Here is my list:
Our Staff
At the Chamber we have a wonderful team of staff that ensure the success of our organization. I would be remiss to not introduce our new team leader, Sally Pierce. As our newly hired Executive Director, Sally comes to us with a ton of past experience. Sally is a long-term resident of Summerland. She brings tourism, hospitality, sales & marketing, and event management experience to the position. All of this makes her the right person for the role.
The work of our administrative staff, LeeAnn MacNeil and Lisa Sanders has not gone unnoticed in 2022. My thanks to you both, I am extremely grateful for your efforts.
Needless to say, if you have not met any of our staff, you really should!
Finally, the Chamber of Commerce board of directors, you are all amazing people. My peers, fellow business owners, and my friends. Thank you for volunteering your time and resources to make our organization successful.
Our Partnerships
A key component of the Chamber’s operation, goals, and strategic plans lie in our partnerships. We would not exist if we did not have the associations we have. The District of Summerland and their amazing people have my gratitude. The people at the Summerland Arts Council, you are great. Rotary Club of Summerland, thank you for your willingness to make our town better. School District 67, thank you for enriching the lives of our kids as well as being involved with the Chamber. Black Press and the Summerland Review, thank you for the space. Our newly elected mayor and council, here’s to many more successes together.
Our Community
Last but certainly not least comes you. You, the resident of Summerland. You, the business owner in Summerland. You, the visitor to Summerland. To the young family starting out in town, to the longtime residents, to the people in retirement, and to the seniors (who are all wiser than I!). Thank you for making our town of Summerland an amazing place to live in, work in, invest in, and put roots down. You all deserve a pat on the back!
See what happens when you choose to be positive, thankful, and optimistic. It challenges you to be humble and then changes your perspective. It lines you up to take a positive step into 2023. Now, I challenge you to come up with a list.
