December Industry CEO Message
This month, please read a special letter from go2HR’s Board Chair Heidi Romich, owner of Heid Out Restaurant and Brewhouse in Cranbrook, BC. Heidi has been a part of go2HR since joining our industry training advisory committee in 2008. She has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2012 and is the current Chair.
Season’s Greetings to our fantastic and resilient tourism & hospitality industry colleagues, partners, employers and employees from all of us at go2HR. I’m delighted to connect with all of you through this communication. When go2HR asked me to contribute, I didn’t hesitate. As I sat down to collect my thoughts, what I wanted to share with our industry became very clear to me. Allow me to share a bit of my perspective, not only as Chair of the go2HR Board but as a business owner and proud member of the tourism and hospitality industry.
Without question, this past year has been a series of continuing challenges for everyone in our industry. We’ve all had to navigate these ongoing challenges from pandemic restrictions and lockdowns to environmental extremes of heat, fire and floods, to labour shortages and supply chain uncertainties. And I admire the spirit of resiliency that continues to shine through as we soldier on. Unfortunately, no area of the province, nor sector of the industry, has been spared.
But, in times of crisis, I prefer to turn my attention to look for the proverbial silver lining. What helps me get through is to focus on how our industry has come together to face these challenges head-on. I’m uplifted by the spirit of cooperation and collaboration from industry and communities around the province, working to support each other through thick and thin. The intention was the same- it was meant to help whether the gesture was big or small. There is no shortage of examples that I’ve seen in my business and my community that helps me to keep going. And I encourage you to look for the same. This spirit of resilience will continue to imbue our industry as we move forward to better times. Great opportunities lay ahead, and we will be ready for them.
But we cannot and should not dismiss the toll the recent past has taken on us all. In the spirit of the season, remember to cherish those you hold dear. Take extra care of yourself and friends and family, your employees, your managers and your guests this season, recognizing we’ve all been through a difficult time. Our partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association of BC (CMHA BC) and the industry-specific resources we are providing as a fruit of this partnership is a great first step if you don’t know where to begin. These partnerships and collaborations share the same spirit of support, concern and relevant assistance to those in need.
We wish you a safe, prosperous Christmas Season and a New Year that not only brings tidings of good cheer but normalcy to our unpredictable world.
Happy Holidays,
Heidi Romich