Chamber Board Chair Sara Smith Reflects on Business in 2020
For most of us, 2020 didn’t go as planned. As a business executive, rolling with the punches and working through change is nothing new, but even the most prepared and successful business would say that this year knocked them down, hard.
I started 2020 in a new volunteer position, as the Board of Directors Chairperson for the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. Following in the footsteps of great community leaders including Don Smith, Craig McKee and even my father, Tom Dinkel was an honor. I had already logged years on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Executive Committee and as the Advocacy Chair, so I was ready to lead the Chamber and business community through a great year. Little did I know what would be the reality.
It’s safe to say we will all be glad to countdown at midnight on December 31, but not much will change from 11:59pm to 12:01am. Sure the calendar will say “2021” and many of us will feel some relief to have 2020 in the past, but the problems and issues business and our community are facing will still be there.
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. Not only are many small business owners not prepared for the unexpected, but they’re not even prepared for the expected. According to the Small Business Administration, nearly one-third of small businesses in the US are not currently operational due to COVID-19. Other national statistics show that many businesses do not have a proper marketing plan or website.
Despite the challenges of this year, there’s so much to look forward to in our community’s future. There is hope for the businesses that are willing to embrace change. In 2021 your business might not look exactly as it did, maybe it will never look the same again, but the businesses that will thrive are the ones that continues to work towards the future and evolve, no matter what that might look like.
Luckily our community has numerous resources and people that not only want to help grow and assist business in West Central Indiana, but they’re making it their mission. The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce has amazing partners in business including the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, Launch Terre Haute, Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation, Thrive West Central and more.
Specifically at the Chamber, resources include everything from marketing assistance for small business to advocating at the state and federal level for business legislation and development in our area. Many opportunities are now available as virtual events and that makes the information more accessible than ever.
As we continue into the unknown of 2021, I encourage each of you to keep going, keep changing and ask for help when needed. We’ve got this.
Signed,
Sara Dinkel Smith
Sycamore Engineering
2020 Chair, Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
