A letter from Tom Baldrige, President & CEO of the Lancaster Chamber

Over the course of this past year, I’ve often referenced the critical role business can, in fact, must play in getting to the other side of this pandemic.

One has to look no further than the fact that, according to the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer, “Business”  is viewed as the most-trusted institution in America.

Again and again, business leaders are looked to for direct, pragmatic answers to the challenges and opportunities that face our Country, and our County.

I am asking you, yet again, to be part of the solution.

Currently, just over 50% (226K/431K) of Lancastrians have been vaccinated, which risks our goal of achieving herd immunity. Yet, there is no clearer path to normal than by doing all we can to ensure that all residents who want the vaccine, get the vaccine; and that all the information about the efficacy of the vaccines is widely shared.

Today, with a sense of urgency, I ask you to consider the following three simple steps that will help you be part of the COVID-19 solution:

• Get the Vaccine – You can walk-in or sign-up for an appointment at the Lancaster County Community Vaccination Center at vaccinatelancaster.org.  And, while you’re at it, please encourage and share the link with all your coworkers;

• Share Our Informational Video – With thanks to our partners (noted on the video), we have developed an informational vaccine video that includes debunked myths, helpful insights, and easy-to-understand information. We encourage you to share with your coworkers and networks: you can find the video on YouTube here and on Facebook here.

• Town Hall Webinar – This Wednesday, May 5, from 1-2pm, the Lancaster Chamber will be hosting another FREE session in our series of free webinars about the vaccine. For this upcoming session we will be joined, once again, by Dr. Michael Ripchinski, Chief Clinical Officer, Penn Medicine/Lancaster General Health, who will share the latest on the vaccine in Lancaster County. Also joining us will be Miguel Nistal, President & CEO of Woodstream, who will share his company’s best practices on navigating through COVID…and thriving! It is free to sign up – register here (this webinar is open to everyone, please feel free to share this information with your coworkers, friends, and neighbors).

Lancaster County has mobilized to put this pandemic behind us. All four hospital systems have come together, county and local governments are working cooperatively, businesses have been sharing best practices to ensure safety, schools have collaborated, all suggesting that the “end” is in sight.

The final piece of the puzzle is now up to each of us as individuals. As business leaders, your teams look to you for leadership and guidance so please do your part to help us end the pandemic in Lancaster County.

–Tom Baldrige, President & CEO of the Lancaster Chamber

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