Happy New Year!
It’s here, the new year we’ve all been waiting for! We have new hopes, new dreams, new expectations for a happy, healthy and abundant 2022. It’s good to know that whatever this year has in store for us, we’ll be in it together.
West Coast View
As you know, out here on the West Coast, things look a little different than the rest of the country. Mandates and masks are still the rule of the day, with many people still unsure if they should attend programs or events, or for some, even go out to a restaurant or see friends. All of which makes going to the W.A.C.E. conference in Glendale even more enticing!
The last time I saw my peers in person was in February 2020 in Portland. We had no idea that a month later the world would shut down and send everyone home, and that all of us would accumulate an overabundance of masks and hand sanitizer.
Maybe someday we will be burning those masks, similar to what they did in the ’60s to another item of clothing women didn’t want to wear….
Reconnecting
All kidding aside, I am really looking forward to reconnecting with all of you at the conference. The conference committee has lined up some all-star guest speakers to help us reenergize, and the breakouts will be especially useful as we continue to move forward and do amazing work on behalf of our members.
And we all know getting together with friends who do what you do is invaluable. The conference will really help us Be Ready for What’s Next!
Wish for New Year
In closing here is my wish for the coming year.
My wish is that you are able to dream big, yet be satisfied with the simple blessings that come your way. May you, your friends and family enjoy good health and enjoy reconnecting with those you’ve been waiting to see.
I look forward to seeing you at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa in Glendale, AZ!
Janet Steele, ACE, is president of the Albany Area (OR) Chamber.