ARTICLE
One of the most important tools for any leader is communication during organizational changing times. A leader must use direct and straight forward communication to effectively gain support and encourage participation from Chamber members, our partners, and the greater Santa Cruz County business community. I am passionate about the Chamber’s mission to be a community catalyst, a convener of information, and an advocate for all businesses of the county. It is my humble privilege to communicate that passion to the Santa Cruz County business community and all of those who value what this Chamber does to improve and encourage economic vitality. We are facing challenging times, as businesses large and small find new ways to adapt to a Coronavirus world. Every chamber member, every business owner, every employee, every customer, and every patron has been affected by the pandemic. We have sheltered in place, put our daily networking activities on hold to stay at home. We have learned social distancing and now wear a mask in public. It is the new normal. At the Chamber Board’s Annual Retreat in late January, the Chamber staff and the board explored new ways and opportunities for the Chamber to evolve in the 21st Century. The focus was on how can we better serve our diverse membership? Through a day-long discussion, it was clear that regular business function, events, and the long-standing programs of the past needed a refresh in today’s technology business environment. The Chamber board began defining new projects, programs, and specialty events in the coming year that would appeal to both the younger generation of chamber members as well as our long time members. And we’d stay abreast of changing business demographics in our region. The Chamber was setting the stage to partner with other organizations in sharing the financial cost and the revenue of events that benefit a larger audience. A comment from one of our board members highlighted the meeting. “This is no longer your grandfather’s chamber; it is a Chamber of 21st-century business leaders that represent all sectors of Santa Cruz County.” To respond to that comment, the Chamber needs to pivot to a changing work environment. We initiated a year-long business strategy in late February. We were off to the best start in our 131 years of serving the Santa Cruz County business community. Then the World Stopped. We all are pivoting to the new normal. Just like every business owner, independent consultant, or homebound remote worker caring for children and homeschooling their kids while meeting their business obligations, the Chamber must pivot too. Facing these unprecedented times with COVID-19, the Chamber has shifted to a remote working environment, reduced staff hours, and made significant financial decisions for the short term. As I have written several times in this column, the Chamber office has remained closed to the public since March 12. In ironic timing, the Chamber’s five-year office lease at the McPherson building with the Museum of Art History (MAH) ended in May. Under the current economic climate, and during the uncertainty of the slow re-opening of businesses in stages over the next several months (set by the Governor and overseen by the County’s Public Health Officer), I have decided now is not the time to renew a long term office lease. The Chamber Board supports that decision. We believe it is a prudent and a financially wise decision to focus our attention on our members’ needs and not expend resources on a brick and mortar office during this time. Let me be very clear; the Chamber is here to serve our members, to advocate on behalf of the businesses with our public officials, to provide access to vital information on the economy during the pandemic, provide information on how to re-open your businesses safely and conduct on-line webinars (over a dozen in the last 60 days) as allowed during the Shelter in Place and the Social Distancing protocols. The Chamber has been a leader and community partner pressing our Public Health Officer to finally engage with the greater Santa Cruz business community. We continue to monitor the actions of our public agencies to ensure the business voice is heard, and we have a seat at the table. Those services to our members will continue as they have for 131 years. Now, we are exploring innovative ways for the Chamber to set up networking events following the state’s social distancing guidelines and utilize our stakeholder relationships to co-host events with our business partners where appropriate. We know the new normal will mean a different look and feel for our community events, business after-hours networking, and our signature events like the annual business expo and Gala Dinner celebration. Innovation, creativity, and flexibility will be the calling cards for these events. As we move into the summer months, the Chamber staff will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and find creative opportunities that engage our members. These are unusual times never imagined. Your chamber is committed to serving our members as we have for 131 years. In the interim, the Chamber will work remotely from my home until such time we can re-locate to a brick and mortar location that meets the needs of our members. During our long history as the voice of the business community, the Chamber has moved dozens of times in and around Santa Cruz County. Office location is not the most important part of any Chamber. The most important part of the chamber is you, the member. Today brings challenges that we can turn into opportunities. I look forward to seeing you around the county as we make Santa Cruz County better for all. Working together, we are Santa Cruz Strong. If you have any comments, ideas or just want to talk, please reach out: casey.beyer@santacruzchamber.org (831) 457-3713. Until then, Be Calm, Stay Safe and Buy Local.
One of the most important tools for any leader is communication during organizational changing times. A leader must use direct and straight forward communication to effectively gain support and encourage participation from Chamber members, our partners, and the greater Santa Cruz County business community. I am passionate about the Chamber’s mission to be a community catalyst, a convener of information, and an advocate for all businesses of the county. It is my humble privilege to communicate that passion to the Santa Cruz County business community and all of those who value what this Chamber does to improve and encourage economic vitality.
We are facing challenging times, as businesses large and small find new ways to adapt to a Coronavirus world. Every chamber member, every business owner, every employee, every customer, and every patron has been affected by the pandemic. We have sheltered in place, put our daily networking activities on hold to stay at home. We have learned social distancing and now wear a mask in public. It is the new normal.
At the Chamber Board’s Annual Retreat in late January, the Chamber staff and the board explored new ways and opportunities for the Chamber to evolve in the 21st Century. The focus was on how can we better serve our diverse membership? Through a day-long discussion, it was clear that regular business function, events, and the long-standing programs of the past needed a refresh in today’s technology business environment. The Chamber board began defining new projects, programs, and specialty events in the coming year that would appeal to both the younger generation of chamber members as well as our long time members. And we’d stay abreast of changing business demographics in our region. The Chamber was setting the stage to partner with other organizations in sharing the financial cost and the revenue of events that benefit a larger audience. A comment from one of our board members highlighted the meeting. “This is no longer your grandfather’s chamber; it is a Chamber of 21st-century business leaders that represent all sectors of Santa Cruz County.” To respond to that comment, the Chamber needs to pivot to a changing work environment. We initiated a year-long business strategy in late February. We were off to the best start in our 131 years of serving the Santa Cruz County business community. Then the World Stopped.
We all are pivoting to the new normal. Just like every business owner, independent consultant, or homebound remote worker caring for children and homeschooling their kids while meeting their business obligations, the Chamber must pivot too.
Facing these unprecedented times with COVID-19, the Chamber has shifted to a remote working environment, reduced staff hours, and made significant financial decisions for the short term. As I have written several times in this column, the Chamber office has remained closed to the public since March 12.
In ironic timing, the Chamber’s five-year office lease at the McPherson building with the Museum of Art History (MAH) ended in May. Under the current economic climate, and during the uncertainty of the slow re-opening of businesses in stages over the next several months (set by the Governor and overseen by the County’s Public Health Officer), I have decided now is not the time to renew a long term office lease. The Chamber Board supports that decision. We believe it is a prudent and a financially wise decision to focus our attention on our members’ needs and not expend resources on a brick and mortar office during this time.
Let me be very clear; the Chamber is here to serve our members, to advocate on behalf of the businesses with our public officials, to provide access to vital information on the economy during the pandemic, provide information on how to re-open your businesses safely and conduct on-line webinars (over a dozen in the last 60 days) as allowed during the Shelter in Place and the Social Distancing protocols. The Chamber has been a leader and community partner pressing our Public Health Officer to finally engage with the greater Santa Cruz business community. We continue to monitor the actions of our public agencies to ensure the business voice is heard, and we have a seat at the table. Those services to our members will continue as they have for 131 years.
Now, we are exploring innovative ways for the Chamber to set up networking events following the state’s social distancing guidelines and utilize our stakeholder relationships to co-host events with our business partners where appropriate. We know the new normal will mean a different look and feel for our community events, business after-hours networking, and our signature events like the annual business expo and Gala Dinner celebration. Innovation, creativity, and flexibility will be the calling cards for these events.
As we move into the summer months, the Chamber staff will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and find creative opportunities that engage our members. These are unusual times never imagined. Your chamber is committed to serving our members as we have for 131 years. In the interim, the Chamber will work remotely from my home until such time we can re-locate to a brick and mortar location that meets the needs of our members.
During our long history as the voice of the business community, the Chamber has moved dozens of times in and around Santa Cruz County. Office location is not the most important part of any Chamber. The most important part of the chamber is you, the member. Today brings challenges that we can turn into opportunities. I look forward to seeing you around the county as we make Santa Cruz County better for all. Working together, we are Santa Cruz Strong.
If you have any comments, ideas or just want to talk, please reach out: casey.beyer@santacruzchamber.org (831) 457-3713.
Until then, Be Calm, Stay Safe and Buy Local.