LEADERSHIP MATTERS A LETTER FROM BRAD HICKS, OUR PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Over the last month southern Oregon’s worst fears were realized as catastrophic wildfires made their way out of our mismanaged forests and into our region’s communities, impacting or destroying, lives, homes and businesses. We ask that your thoughts, prayers and efforts be with every family in the Rogue Valley during this time, especially those who have experienced significant, or worse, total losses. Well wishes from friends and family are genuine and heartfelt but it is abundantly clear our path forward will require much more than that if we are to ensure no one is left behind. I should not have to make this next point, but we live in a time where the key role that businesses play in building prosperous, resilient communities is undervalued. Our region’s recovery will be directly tied to our business community’s ability to recover and reopen. As businesses consider what they need to do to survive a disaster or emergency, it is equally important that we also consider what our customers will need in order to survive. The ongoing involvement of businesses in the recovery activities will pave the way to economic and social resilience within the 11 communities around Jackson County. Giving in southern Oregon is always unparalleled, and this crisis is no exception. Our local private sector is already leaning forward in the area. Companies like Harry & David and Dutch Bros have already outpaced state and federal public sector efforts by days when it comes to relief. Equally, our first responders have been heroic and local governments are working around the clock in an effort to help all those in need. The specter of the wildfires can almost make one forget that we are still in the midst of the crushing effects the pandemic
has had on our local economy. The triple threat of a pandemic and a pandemic induced recession capped off by these crippling fires will test our resolve as a region. On the one hand, we simply cannot let bureaucracy be an excuse for failing to provide the necessary relief to those whose lives and businesses have been decimated. On the other hand, we also cannot allow pettiness and finger pointing to take our collective eyes off the ball. The spirit we have witnessed throughout all the above has been what keeps inspiring your Chamber staff, volunteer leaders and members everywhere to keep fighting on your behalf each and every day. Let’s keep it going and stay #Southern Oregon Strong! In the days, weeks and months ahead, The Chamber will continue to be your Convener, Catalyst and Champion. We will also call on you when necessary to pitch in, help out, show up and engage in our recovery. This is going to take each and every one of us pulling on the same end of the rope. Thanks so very much for all that you have been doing throughout this pandemic and now even more as we assess our losses. Your generosity and undying spirit are the silver lining to what could only, otherwise, be considered a nightmare. God bless,
Brad S. Hicks, CCE President & CEO The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County
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The Business Review | September 2020
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