As we further venture into 2021 we continue to operate in an unknown world. For snow and ice management companies, this environment is less impactful because we are an essential service. However, it still comes with its own unique challenges.
Sure, operations may be slightly compromised, but professionals throughout the industry made adjustments and services are being performed as expected. Our hats off to everyone who bootstrapped through the challenges of the last year and found a way to resume operations and preserve some sense of normalcy in our professional and personal lives.
Now we just need some more snow.
For the ASCA, while we still operate on a remote basis as we continue to plan and adjust. And this seems to be the recurring theme I’ve noticed as I reflect back on the highs and lows of the last year. Plan and adjust. Adjust and plan.
Companies that prosper do so because they can turn on a dime when faced with adversity. Those in our industry who enjoy success do so because they continued to operate instead of throwing their hands up the air, sending crews home, and simply giving up. Instead, they planned and adjusted and kept their goals in front of them.
One of the biggest unknown for the ASCA is when we can resume hosting face-to-face events. As vaccinations increase, I project the likelihood of a return to normalcy for mid-year – give or take a few weeks. Therefore, we are planning on the country being back in operation from a business standpoint and travel standpoint, as well.
Therefore, consider this a Save-The-Date.
Last year, we canceled our annual Executive Summit for obvious reasons. With the anticipated return to normal, we are planning to hold the ASCA Executive Summit August 2nd through 4th at the Omni Resort on Amelia Island, just outside of Jacksonville, Fla. The event will still follow a 2½-day format, beginning on the 2nd with an opening speaker and cocktail reception. We will follow that up with two mornings of high-level business management education featuring high-level presenters. Tuesday night will be our Top 100 and Leadership Awards ceremony. And of course, we have built in ample amounts of networking time for attendees.
The ASCA continues to plan and monitor everything related to the pandemic. And, as such, we will adjust when necessary.
Hopefully, we will not have to make too many adjustments in the months to come, and I look forward to seeing everyone again networking in person August 2-3 in Florida!
Kevin Gilbride is Executive Director of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association.
Latest from Snow Magazine
- NOTEBOOK: Go With The Flow
- NOTEBOOK: Winter Equipment Offers the RoadMAXX System
- NOTEBOOK: Yanmar Unveils Compact Loader Lineup
- NOTEBOOK: Schill Expands in Southwest Ohio
- October Cover Story: Achieving Wet Pavement
- August 2022 Cover Story: Beat The Odds
- May 2022 Cover Story: Bullish on Snow & Ice
- 2022 Top 100