Has anyone else thought that 2021 told 2020, “Hold My Beer”?
I know so many of us have been using the ending of 2020 as our buoy of hope for better things to come. I can’t tell you how many times I said it myself, “If we can just get through to the New Year, and then everything can start fresh.” Little did we know 2021 had more than a few tricks up her sleeve.
The events of the last weeks has to have had a defeating effect on even the most optimistic spirits. Thank goodness at least for Mother Nature and the skilled photographers that have been sharing the beauty they capture in our winter scenery. Professionals like Second Crop Photography, and Kevin Gruenberg have been a constant source of frosted trees, vibrant red barns and unbelievable sky lines against the white blankets of snow. I thank them for pointing out the calm in the chaos around us.
But it is not just the professionals. Many of my friends that are sharing personal photos that are gallery worthy as well. I hope that in 2021 the Monroe Arts Center Photography Contest is bursting with entrants highlighting our winter beauty.
But back to business, each year we look forward to kicking things off with our annual meeting. A time that we can spend gathering, supporting and learning from our fellow members. Embracing and supporting our new businesses and offering accolades for those who are hitting big milestones.
In light of the continuing need to stop the spread of COVID-19, we do plan to hold a virtual annual meeting in February to fulfill the requirements of our bylaws. When it is deemed appropriate we will gather together to celebrate our community strengthening organization and give true recognition to those that make our community great.
Until then, I want to share my gratitude to my Board of Directors as well as our Chamber Ambassadors. We work hard all year to support our businesses that build our community. Contributions coming from our businesses that help support the community are countless. We are blessed to be in such a giving community. I am happy to share with you that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry offered a 20% matching contribution to any Monroe Money Purchases from November first until the end of December. With your commitment to shop local, hire local and dine local, we issued over $45,000 in Monroe Money in 60 days. In Comparison in 2019 we issued $30,000 the entire year. The choice to purchase locally will directly keep businesses open and able to serve us all in a community that relies on each of us. We also expanded the Monroe Money program to be purchased online. Thank you to COVID-19 for pushing us in that direction. This offered the ability for no-contact purchases and flexibility to use credit cards as well. This money fuels our economy at no cost or fee to the purchaser or the chamber business or organization that accepts it.
As we look to our future, we know the struggles are far from over, so I beg of you shop local always! I ain’t too proud to beg, (Cue TLC) together we can keep Monroe strong.
— Melissa Even is the executive director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.
