M ES SAGE
F RO M T H E P R ES I DE NT & C EO It seems quite fitting, now, that months in advance of production, we dedicated the March-April issue of Biz to addressing health and wellness. Today, amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted everything from public health to our economy to the education of our students and even how we worship, we are especially grateful to be the recipients of incredible care and expertise from our local medical community, first responders and public health partners.
The COVID-19 situation is dynamic. We are an active member of the AlbanyDougherty COVID-19 Task Force, working with local and state and health officials and elected leaders and assisting our health care systems, first responders and emergency medical personnel in doing their jobs consistently and effectively. We urge all our members to follow the public health directives to flatten the virus' curve and minimize the long-term economic impact. Supporting our business community remains our top priority, and we are fully committed to the health and stability of our community, our members and our economy. I am so encouraged by the outpouring of support our community has shown our medical professionals and our small businesses, many of whom are deeply impacted during this time. We are committed to continuing to provide you with the leadership and the resources − such as our COVID-19 Business Resource Guide on page 11 and our dedicated COVID-19 Resource Center for Employers at albanyga.com. Business as usual? Maybe not. But commerce hasn't ceased, and neither has the Albany Area Chamber. We are working to ensure the health and safety of our Chamber staff; operational continuity for delivery of services and resources to you, our members; and business advocacy and community partnership as together we respond. Follow us at albanyga.com and at Facebook.com/ AlbanyAreaChamber for business resource updates and to learn more about how we're supporting you an how we can support each other. In this issue, we explore work-place health challenges and solutions impacting employees and businesses’ bottom line, including a Chamber-member only comprehensive insurance plan built for small businesses; occupational health and wellness services to support your work force; and the effects of stress − the “world’s silent business killer” − on employee morale and workplace productivity. The times are uncertain; the Albany Area Chamber’s commitment to you is not. -BÁR B AR A R I VER A H OLMES
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Residential •Commercial •Industrial •Institutional ALBANY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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