UPSTATE LEADERS SHARE INSIGHTS ON ADDRESSING CHALLENGES RELATED
TO THE PANDEMIC
Regardless of the sector or location, 2020 has been a trying time for all Upstate entities. As we move into a new year, an uncertain future remains. To help us to better understand some of the ongoing challenges from the pandemic and resulting economic crisis, we have compiled a group of local, regional and state business, government and non-profit leaders who will periodically share their insights on a variety of topics and community issues. By sharing their struggles, successes and continued efforts they will help all Upstate entities better understand and navigate this uncertain future.
In our first set of questions to the group, we asked them about how they personally and within their organizations and communities have addressed some of the challenges associated with the pandemic and resulting impacts.
Each member was asked to answer at least two questions within the set.
What is one significant change you have made personally or professionally during the pandemic that you would not have done if not for the pandemic?
I have spent a lot more time at home with our young son since the pandemic began. Though it has been very difficult to balance childcare with working full-time, I feel (and I am told) that I will not regret spending this time with him when we are both older. I much better appreciate the plight of working parents, and how public policy makes childcare so much more difficult and expensive than it should be. – Paul Cain, Oconee County Council Member
As with most, I have had to become proficient in all manner of virtual and electronic communication and being very much oriented to personal one on one communication, this was a somewhat difficult task for me. It also required me to hone my skills at more succinct/efficient messages to my members and board, understanding that some things may be lost in translation or misconstrued when not accompanied by the usual voice inflection or other personal touch. – Susan Cohen, President, Clemson Chamber of Commerce
