I wonder, when you’re reading this, what the state of our world will look like. Here in Pennsylvania, it has been almost two months to the day since our governor first issued the original stay-at-home order. Our lives have been disrupted swiftly and immensely.
Adjustments made to manage during the new world of quarantining encompass physical distancing, changed personal hygiene and new, enhanced sanitation protocols. We have seen birthdays and graduations celebrated on Zoom, we have changed habits to purchase groceries and basic supplies online and we have communicated electronically with those near and far.
As an Association, we have both challenges and opportunities. The office in Manchester, New Hampshire, has been mostly closed since early March, and staff has been working from home diligently to continue to deliver a high level of service to our member companies. Many of our interactions and services have long been held in person – think CTSP workshops, EHAP Training and the Executive Arborist Workshops. In our new world, expanded online outreach through enhanced digital offerings may enable us to reach a wider audience.
Much has been written and spoken about COVID-19 from both the public-health and economic viewpoints. One thing that remains certain during this time is what we see in the outside world. Our industry, in large part, has been deemed essential during the pandemic. Looking to our yards and parks and other green spaces provides both mental and physical well-being.
TCIA has weathered many major disruptions during its long history of supporting the industry, and there are many good reasons to feel that our Association will see the other side of this pandemic as well. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you – in person – soon!
