3 minute read
Message From the CEO
Chris Hembrough President and CEO
One of my favorite movies is Apollo 13, which chronicles the spacecraft’s return to Earth. Apollo 13 was America’s fifth crewed mission to the Moon, which was intended to be the third to land on the Moon. However, an on-board explosion deprived the spacecraft of much of its oxygen supply and electrical power, which forced NASA’s flight controllers to abort the Moon landing and turn the mission into an epic struggle to get the three astronauts home safely.
Advertisement
As they re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere, there were significant concerns about The Odyssey’s heat shield, whether it would withstand the intense heat of re-entry or the astronauts would perish. If you watched the movie, you likely recall the intense period of radio silence due to ionization blackout, which lasted much longer than expected, before the astronauts finally reported all was well and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, completing the dangerous journey home. While not the same kind of dangerous journey, the COVID-19 pandemic has lasted much longer than most expected. It has been a time of great concern and significant loss of lives and livelihoods, bringing about intense feelings and emotions including but not limited to anxiety, anger, fear, frustration, uncertainty, heartache, and grief.
Now a sense of hope is emerging as more residents are receiving the vaccine and our community prepares to enter the Bridge Phase, the step between Phase 4 and Phase 5, which will allow for higher capacity limits and increased business operations before we move to Phase 5. According to the State’s plan, Phase 5 will be a re-entry to the full economy, “in which all sectors will reopen with businesses and recreation resuming normal operations and where conventions, festivals, and large events can take place again.” It was reported on April 6 that the “Pritzker administration is hopeful that Illinois will be in position to move to Phase 5 at the beginning of the summer. ”
The Chamber is also preparing for the Bridge Phase and ultimately the full reopening of our economy. As we look forward, the following opportunities have been scheduled, and appropriate attendance and safety measures will be followed. I hope you will mark your calendar and plan to participate. • State of The City, May 12: The Chamber will host our annual State of The City event with Mayor Jim Langfelder providing the administration’s perspective on the City’s outlook.
This is currently planned as a hybrid event, with sponsors and their guests attending in person, and others joining online. See page 6 for the details. It is not too late to register.
• Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing,
July 22-23: We will hold our annual golf outing over a two-day period at
Piper Glen Golf Course. The details can be found on our website, gscc.org.
• Small Business Awards, August 24:
Our Annual Small Business Awards luncheon will be held on Tuesday,
August 24, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
See page 14 for the details, including how to nominate potential award recipients.
• Annual Gala, September 25: The
Chamber’s Annual Gala, which is traditionally held in early February, will be held on Saturday evening,
September 25. Information can be found on page 12.
As always, we are grateful for our partnership and the privilege to serve you. Thank you for your investment in membership, the work of The Chamber, and the community at-large.
Chamber’s Core Functions
Advocacy
As a significant voice of business, we support legislative policies and practices conducive for a thriving business community and local economy, and oppose those that are not.
Business Resources & Support
We connect local businesses to resources that reduce barriers to growth and expansion.
Leadership & Professional Development
We offer opportunities for professional growth and leadership development to members and their employees.
