LEADERSHIP MATTERS A LETTER FROM BRAD HICKS, OUR PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I t is almost hard to remember the excitement of just a year ago as hundreds of Chamber members celebrated The Chamber’s 100th anniversary over the span of several nights. That was quickly followed, if you remember, by equal excitement over the passage of time into the year 2020. How we all were certain this would be one of the best years on record. Who among us could have guessed how terribly wrong we were and how quickly those hopes would be dashed? In the many months since then (seems like years!), our community, state and nation have all been pressed in ways none of us could have planned for, or made up, if we tried. Then, what we collectively prayed wouldn’t dare happen while we struggled so mightily, happened. The catastrophic wildfires that have unnecessarily ravaged our region for years did the unthinkable by leaving the confines of our forests and making their way into our cities, neighborhoods, businesses and homes. Currently, the health of so many things are suffering that it is hard to know what to stitch up first. Our actual physical and mental health, our economic health, our political health or our cultural health. It would seem some of those injuries are not going to heal until we “stop the bleeding,” if you will, and begin the process of healing a divided America. I don’t claim to know just how we go about fixing all those things but I do think it is obvious that stopping the hate and division is chief among the cures. Equally, as throughout our history, the business community, in the form of The Chamber, can and must rally our region around a path forward. One that gets us on the other side of this pandemic and at the same time, drives an economic recovery for all. No more government picking winners and losers. We need every Southern Oregonian to be a winner in this recovery. Now as we move into 2021, cautious and uncertain of the days immediately ahead, let’s not forget to be bold as we explore our greatest comeback. As always, you can count on your Chamber to be the Catalyst, Convener and Champion for your success. Whether it is in-person or virtually, at The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County our purpose is to bring together our area’s leading voices from the public and private sectors in an effort to create prosperity for all. Thanks for your endurance, your resilience and your commitment to our community and to your Chamber. We hope you enjoyed a bit of a celebration with us this month at our Annual Excellence in Business Awards and we hope you know that everyday you inspire us to work harder on your behalf. We are proud to represent your interests in Helping Business Succeed! Best regards,
Brad S. Hicks, CCE President & CEO The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County
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The Business Review | December 2020
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