Forward Together: A CEO’s New Year’s message

A year ago today, we had no idea what we were in for in 2020 despite the global pandemic that was already in its gestation phase. In the past nine months, we have learned much – about ourselves, our families, friends and co-workers.

 

It was a year of loss. COVID-19 deaths numbered about 1,000 each in Montgomery County and Delaware County, with 500 in Chester County, while Philadelphia lost 2,437 as of Dec. 30. Pennsylvania was the seventh U.S. state to top 15,000 coronavirus deaths this past month. Last week, our nation set a record for single-day deaths at more than 3,700 as the total death count approaches 350,000. Each is someone’s child, parent, grandparent or friend.

 

The economic challenges are well documented, as are the risks taken daily by our health care workers, grocery store employees, first responders and other essential workers. On behalf of The Main Line Chamber of Commerce’s more than 900 member companies, Board of Directors and staff, thank you to everyone who has helped to keep the survivors healthy and fed.

 

There are other heroes as well, including the parents of children who juggled home schooling and work – in fact, all of the Chamber’s members who were able to operate remotely deserve credit for keeping their companies moving.

 

Along with the unique problems relating to the pandemic, it was a year in which racial disparities moved into the spotlight in new ways. While protests and unrest focused on loss of life, the persistent problems tied to government’s failure to provide equitable educational resources is part of the broader story. Many businesses seek to be part of the solution. Yet, we often fail as a society to help young people from poor urban and rural communities to see the many positive paths forward available through hard work and good decisions. Yes, personal responsibility matters and we have many examples of individuals overcoming challenges. Government and business share the responsibility to remove systemic roadblocks for the good of society – for the good of us all – as racial minorities are projected to make up more than half the nation’s population by 2050. It’s past time we learn from our mistakes. It begins with keeping an open mind and learning, followed by instituting purposeful and thought-out changes.

 

In a year in which many were denied the opportunity to work, we were reminded that work itself is essential. Having a family-sustaining wage matters and our member corporations and nonprofits deserve credit for providing opportunity and making our region resilient. Getting our economy back on track must be a top priority in 2021 as vaccines see broader distribution in the months to come. Business leaders who strive to do well and do good will help lead the way.

 

The Main Line Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide innovative virtual gatherings that help people to learn and be inspired by fellow members. Helping leaders and companies to succeed in this virtual environment and beyond has never been more important. We are helping companies to connect with diverse talent. Starting in the first days of the pandemic, we provided professionally produced Recovery Resources emails with content about federal, state and county funding. We helped employers understand confusing shutdown orders. We are delivering federal CARES act-funded personal protective equipment to small businesses and urging our members to take care of their people and customers, in part to avoid an expected wave of liability lawsuits. We continue to advocate for policies that strike the right balance between keeping people safe and getting back to business.

 

Thanks to our many members and supporters, the Chamber begins its centennial year in 2021 with optimism and from a position of financial strength. We can’t do our work without you.

 

I want to thank the staff members of the Chamber for their dedicated effort and support given to our members and to me personally. We are a lean and efficient group when one considers all we have to offer through our many convenings and programming. For me personally, serving as President and CEO during this historic moment is a privilege that I take to heart.

 

We must use what we have learned, including the muscles of adaptability and resiliency exercised in the past year, to be our best. We must do well and do good, using the privileges available to us to make a difference for ourselves and those around us. Count me in.

I wish all our members and all who strive to succeed an energizing, profitable and Happy New Year. Let’s help in the ways we can today while working toward a stronger tomorrow.

 

Forward Together,

Bernie

 

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Bernie Dagenais

President & CEO
The Main Line Chamber of Commerce