December 2020 Update
As we approach the end of 2020, it’s difficult to find the right words to describe the year we’ve had or what we hope for in the coming year. This year was full of challenges, pivots, lessons learned, and even an occasional silver lining. Like all of you, we’ve been forced to rethink our operations and get creative with our offerings. We’ve worked hard to bring you relevant information via our website, social media, videos, and virtual events, as well as create opportunities for people to gather and meet virtually. One of the fundamentals of our work is bringing people together, a function that has been completely upended this year. As we head into 2021, we will continue to explore options and strategies to help our members build relationships with each other and the community, and hope that we’ll be able to get back to some of our normal events as well.
Thinking larger than ourselves, as we all should be doing right now, I feel it’s important to remind you that we all can and should safely shop local this holiday season to the fullest extent possible. While many of our local and small businesses have managed to survive this trying time, they need our continued support get through the winter season. We all need to make decisions about how we shop based on our personal situation and risk level. For those of us that can, head out and safely shop local by wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and following the guidance and protocols that businesses have put into place. Most businesses have worked hard to offer a safe and enticing shopping experience, so make sure to visit them if you are able to. If you are not comfortable shopping in person, a lot of businesses have also expanded their online and phone ordering, and offer shipping or curbside pickup. Check in with your favorite local business to see if they are offering any holiday specials, and to see how you can #SupportCayuga this season.
As always, I’d like to extend my sincerest gratitude to staff, board and committee members, ambassadors, sponsors, and volunteers that make everything we do possible. And a HUGE thank you goes out to all of you, our members, who stuck with us this year. Without you, we don’t have purpose or means. Don’t hesitate to reach out if there is something that we can do to help. The Cayuga County Chamber is open for YOUR business!
Tracy Verrier
Executive Director, Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce