Page 8 - HC B2B Spring21

Awards Continued From Pg 7
2020 Board Chair Special Recognition Award
First Responders
Presented by Sara Medley, 2020 Board Chair
Sometimes there is a business or a person, deserving of special recognition by the Chamber, but for one reason or another, do not fit the standing award categories. The Chamber Chair award began about ten years ago and it is the outgoing Chair’s opportunity, if he or she chooses, to give such an award. While this award isn’t given every year, I could not pass up the opportunity THIS year to recognize some of the critical work done during 2020.
As the outgoing Helena Chamber board chair, it gives me great pleasure to honor our healthcare workers from hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and the like; our Lewis and Clark County public health officers, leaders, and teams; and our first responders which include EMTs, and Sheriff, Police and Fire Department team members – all collective recipients of my 2020 Chair award.
Think about what these individuals do under normal circumstances, in ‘normal’ years. They watch over us, take care of us, protect us, and rescue us. Now think about doing all of that in a devastating pandemic, the likes of which we have never experienced, and under threat of a virus that could take their life while they are trying to save ours.
During the pandemic, every day – or for those working the night shift, every night - these individuals wake up, most likely have a cup of coffee or two, they get dressed and head to work. The difference between all of them and me
- they knowingly put their lives on the line to make sure we all receive the best healthcare possible; that our friends and loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are well cared
for and safe. The first responders in our community, our EMTs, police force, sheriff department staff and our fire department, respond to our needs and our cries for help, knowing that by doing so they are putting themselves at risk of getting COVID, becoming very ill or even dying.
How many of these dedicated staff were exposed and had to sleep at work, in their basement or somewhere else away from their families to keep their loved ones from being exposed, too? How many of these dedicated staff had to stretch and take on extra shifts or responsibilities either because of overwhelming workloads, or there were so many people who needed their help, or because they needed to step up to cover because one of their coworkers, partners or team members got sick with
COVID? How many of them were the ones who got sick while serving our community and taking care of us, one way or another?
I have learned a lot this past year. At top of mind today, I will never hear or read the word hero without thinking of all of you – the recipients of the 2020 Chamber Chair award.
A virtual gathering makes it difficult for recipients of awards to hear applause or experience a standing ovation. Despite this limitation, I would encourage our viewers to do both – applauding and standing with an ovation in your honor. Awardees, if you close your eyes and use your imaginations, you can hear and feel the warmth of our crowd, thanking you for all you do, for all of us.
-Sara Medley, 2020 Board Chair
8 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION
VISION: Catalyst for growth; Convener of leaders and influencers; Champion for a thriving community. MISSION: Engaging and supporting businesses to facilitate economic growth and community prosperity.