A Message from the Chamber President

M ESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Albany’s got talent. And through this pandemic, we’ve seen that talent – and its passion, innovation and commitment – and have experienced benefits and advances because of it. I think of where our community was just a few months ago, and am certain we would not be where we are today were it not for our greatest asset – our people, our talent.

In March, Albany swiftly emerged as a global COVID-19 hotspot with the third-highest per capita rate of infection in the world. Today, we’re a national role model for crisis management, for recovery and resiliency, and are leading the state in a safe, measured reopening. How? We were collaborative, proactive and decisive; we leveraged partnerships; we led transparently; our health care workers and first responders delivered; our schools pivoted; our businesses innovated; we sewed masks, we produced critically-needed products, we developed safety training certification programs. We fed each other, we cared for each other, we supported each other and were supported by many. We prayed and kept faith. We united. The fight is not over, but our progress has been made by the incredible talent of our people.

In this issue, we take a look at the team at The Levee Studios, which developed the only COVID-19 safety certification training of its kind, piloted it in Albany and is now making the program available statewide, helping get more Georgians back to work safely.

Like our businesses and our members, the Albany Area Chamber, too, continues to pivot and adapt to ensure relevant support of the business community and of the membership, and to ensure our own long-term resiliency and sustainability. We’ve slid smoothly into virtual programming, video meetings and enhanced our digital communications. This year, we hosted our 16th annual Washington, DC, Fly In, meeting virtually with members of Congress and Marine Corps leadership at the Pentagon as to communicate Albany’s priorities, advancements and needs.

As the months progress, we will continue to deliver programming that is relevant and timely; we will continue to leverage the power of partnerships to advance our mission, to create new opportunities and to expand the impact of our reach. We’ll continue to assess and refine and focus. The path to a new future is opaque. The path forward is one step at a time – together. Thank you for your leadership, your talents and your continued support of the Albany Area Chamber.

-B ÁRBARA RIVERA HOLMES

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