Dear GNMAA Members,
One year ago, I stood in front of my peers at the Annual Meeting and spoke of how loyalty, relationships, operational excellence, innovation and celebrating victories were our weapons in this economy. In my opinion, we embraced these strategies in 2009 to excel in so many ways and will continue to use them in 2010, persevering through a challenging first quarter.
We all know this first quarter has not been easy. We are ready and eager to look forward. With spring on the horizon, all that is fresh and new comes to mind: new growth, fresh beginnings, new opportunities and new partnerships. The Master of Ceremonies at the Annual Meeting last Monday, Zoraida Sambolin, recognized that something is “in the air”, commenting the next day on NBC 5, “The Mayor spoke about the state of the City and that we are in a financial crisis…but what was really neat is how the businesses of Michigan Avenue are highlighting the beauty of the City and how they are preparing to welcome everyone back when things improve.”
Zoraida sums it up nicely. As we move into the spring season, I can tell you the feeling now is much different than it was this same time last year. Something indeed is “in the air”, and that something can be attributed to the businesses and the individuals working together to strengthen the Michigan Avenue District. Together we can be cautiously optimistic that once the tulips begin to bloom on the Avenue, so too will the business here in our great city!
Peter Simoncelli
Chairman of the Board
