As we begin to look forward to the New Year, it is a good time for reflection. We certainly have learned a lot this year having faced unprecedented challenges and uncertainty.
We started this year navigating through a trade war with China. New Tariffs were implemented to combat a rising trade deficit. Meanwhile, we opened a new facility in Shanghai, increasing our footprint in China, as well as adding new product development and testing capabilities.
Beginning this year, we welcomed new regional sales leadership to help manage our growing distributor and OEM network. At our annual managers meeting held in the newly opened corporate headquarters in West Chester, Ohio, we set exciting goals to strengthen our position in a booming economy.
By the end of January news began to spread of a new virus outbreak in Wuhan, China. By February travel was being restricted. In March the stock market crashed and stay at home orders were beginning to be implemented.
It was during this time that we began to rise to the challenge. We committed ourselves to weather this storm and protect our employees. We kept our business open and our people held onto their jobs. Our new goal was set. Our focus was on the idea that once this is past, and we look back at ourselves, what is it that we wish to see? We were resolved to be the best of ourselves.
During the spring we adapted to new ways to be of service. We began to have virtual meetings and developed online training courses for our distributors. This summer, as the virus continued its spread, we attended our first virtual trade show.
This fall, we pushed ahead with the launch of a new pump brand, RAE Pumps, which we will continue to grow with new pump offerings in the coming year. The development of the RAE brand has set a new standard for our visual representation which will serve as a template as we upgrade the marketing assets across all our divisions.
We celebrated Thanksgiving on Zoom or at smaller family gatherings. And now, as Christmas approaches, we begin to look towards the new year.
We look to 2021 with hope. As I write this, the FDA has approved a vaccine which will begin to be administered this month and is anticipated to be widely available in late spring. China, Russia, and Germany also have vaccines. England has already administered its first dose to a civilian.
We are going to emerge stronger and better than ever. We will because we stay together. We are united. We care for and support one another. We protect each other. It is by this dedication to our work and to one another that we will continue to grow and, regardless of the challenges ahead, we will persevere!
I wish each of you a blessed and joyful holiday. Stay safe and be mindful. Let’s transition into the new year with renewed enthusiasm and optimism. We have much to be proud of and much for which to be grateful!
