The 2020 year has been extremely challenging after the resounding success of our Burns Night in January. We have all been touched by this pandemic and our hearts go out to those who have suffered, whether through ill health or financially, whether personally or by seeing our family and friends suffer while not being able to offer comfort in person, whether working on the front lines, working from home or being unable to work. The sheer magnitude of this crisis has impacted us all.
But now, as the world, and Calgary specifically, is gradually reopening, we here at BCBAC have thought long and hard about how we can best continue to provide meaningful and engaging services to our membership in the face of so much uncertainty and fear.
We will continue to host the occasional webinar, attempting to find expert presenters on subjects that are of interest and not overdone elsewhere.
Should the re-opening continue without a second wave, and the provincial authorities permit indoor gatherings of more than 30 people, subject to social distancing and sanitization measures, we will start to host in person events once more, possibly as early as late summer or early autumn.
However, we will ensure that any venue or event abides by all health and safety protocols so that our members stay safe and healthy. This may require some logistical challenges to overcome by the BCBAC Board but possibly also some new protocols for our members, such as health questions, wearing of masks, hand sanitization prior to entering the venue etc.
For all those who purchased memberships, we will honour our commitment by extending that membership by a calendar year. In other news, behind the scenes, we have been busy! We have been working on a new and exciting sponsorship program that we shall unveil at our next in person function. We are in the midst of upgrading our website and payment methods and soon we shall be able to offer online payment for membership, sponsorship and event tickets in advance, as well as accept credit cards at the event. All to make everything easier for everyone but also to ensure contactless payment and less cash handling.
We are looking forward to seeing you all again, but only if it is safe to do so. In the meantime, keep a sense of humour, follow the protocols and stay healthy!
Victoria Bradbury
Chair
British & Commonwealth Business Association of Canada