One Year into the Pandemic...How are We Doing?

I get asked a lot: “How is the Chamber doing”? You’ve probably been asked that question as well, “How is your business doing?” I mean, we have just been through one of the biggest global pandemics of our entire lifetime and that’s a fair question. So, how ARE we doing?

 Before I tell you how we are doing at the West St. Louis County Chamber, let me tell you a little story.

 I started working at the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce in 2007 and then the 2008 market crashed. What I noticed, in the Chamber world, was the need for people to need people – to connect. After a crisis, people realize how invaluable their friendships and business relationships are. It’s also refreshing to connect with other business men and women who are survivors, just like them. They have a shared experience they automatically can connect with. 

 I met with so many people who had started new companies because of the “crash”. They were actually grateful for losing their job because it forced them to take the leap into entrepreneurship that terrified them before. They were pushed out of their comfort zone and forced to be fierce! I didn’t realize how powerful this was until years later. Hindsight is 20/20, right?

 Our Chamber grew more than it had ever grown before and I felt truly blessed to be part of such an amazing organization that connected people! When our community needed us, we were there right by their side to help them navigate these changes and opportunities.

 Today, I am starting to see that once again. As we ease into the light, people are eager to meet with one another, see each other SMILE, learn what they do, ask HOW THEY ARE. No competition, just collaboration. People who are meeting and networking are filled with such a sense of GRATITUDE. The light at the end of the tunnel is finally revealed and we welcome its warmth.

So – How is the Chamber doing? We are doing amazing and we are ready for the future! Renewals were 82% in 2020 and we are reaching 80% for 2021. In just 9 weeks, we've welcomed 25 new members into the Chamber. Being a part of the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce is an extraordinary privilege. We are blessed with the opportunity to be alongside someone’s dream. To see them grow, connect, help them when we can, and refer them every chance we get! Heather, Darlene and I all worked 100% throughout the shutdown and I am so proud to say our Chamber looked after our staff and our members; we looked after one another! Phone calls, emails, zoom calls, prayers, tears and laughter – we survived. Stronger on the other side, wiser in areas and realizing that the proverbial “thinking outside the box” was dead and buried – we continue to keep moving FORWARD and our dedication to our members and businesses keeps growing stronger.

What an honor it is to help build each other up in this amazing community!

So, how are YOU doing?

With Gratitude and Blessings,

 Lori A. Kelling