Bob Hendrickson

Pivot: verb- to modify (a policy, opinion, product, etc.) while retaining some continuity with its previous version.

It’s become a buzz word to describe businesses and society’s quick adaptation to work through abrupt policy changes brought on by the pandemic response. Some people are good at it and others struggle.

In sports it’s a focal point where energy is transferred and direction changes to produce a result that creates a successful outcome.

A pivot takes energy and focus. It challenges us.

For retail, restaurants, bars and other service ordinated businesses the pivot has become even more of a challenge, especially restaurants and bars. We encourage our communities to pivot too with shopping and spending habits to support those businesses.

There are organizations and trade associations who have developed strategies to assist businesses pivot in these times. The Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce can help businesses connect with them as needed.

One thing we’ve learned through the past eight months is a chamber of commerce is a conduit to other organizations and services geared to keeping businesses in business and supporting our local economy. We don’t have all the answers or solutions but can put our members in touch with someone who can help.

Back in the day, people use to be able to dial 0 on their rotary phone and ask for information. The internet has replaced that service, but if you don’t know where to look or what to search for it’s a struggle to find the information. The GINCC is your source for information. If we don’t know the answer, we have the time to search and look it up while our members focus on what they need to do to keep their business going.

Let’s pivot together to keep our communities healthy and businesses open. As we approach Thanksgiving take time to be thankful for what we have and can do. If you feel like you hit a wall, pivot, there will be someone there to pass the ball to and keep the game going.

To learn more about the GINCC, visit our website at www.gincc.org, give us a call or stop in. Our hours are 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. We are at times out of office on Chamber business. Please call ahead to confirm we’ll be in office, 906-486-1111.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.