A Message from the Chairwoman – The Business Viewpoint – Is your welcome mat out?

I came across an article recently that noted a concerning statistic. According to Morning Consult Economic Intelligence: Global Consumer Confidence study, as of June 1, 2020, New York’s consumer confidence index was at 82.5. A significant drop from our 1Q numbers, which were in the 112 range. While many agree that there is a significant correlation between lower consumer confidence and daily per capita COVID-19 cases, there are other obvious factors at play, such as joblessness and increased poverty.
p
During times of crisis, we need to go deeper to understand the less conspicuous reasons why consumer confidence is low. While these factors cannot be backed by empirical evidence, there are many anecdotal examples that can be attributed to why consumers may not be buying what you’re selling.
p
The divided political climate that has deepened in the past few months is, in my professional opinion, contributing to declining consumer confidence.
p
We have witnessed defacement of public properties, including homophobic and racist slurs. What do visitors to our county think of us when they see this? It doesn’t bode well for tourism.
p
While I support freedom of speech in all forms, collectively, we must consider the impact of our words and actions upon others. We want people to join our community, buy our homes, visit our magnificent attractions and spend money in our county.
p
Everyone is entitled to express or display their political views, opinions and choices, but by the same token, we must respect other views, opinions and choices. If our goal is to reinvigorate our economy, we must put our welcome mat out. A community that is united through its local mom and pop shops and our various Main Street businesses has the power to give the right first impression.
p
Jennifer Maher
Chairwoman 
Putnam County Business Council 
www.putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com
p

REGISTER – Anti-Racism Educational Series – Session 4 What You Need to Know About Demonstrations – Thursday, July 30th

DATE: Thursday, July 30th
p
TIME: 11 AM
p
TOPIC: What You Need to Know About Demonstrations
p
SPEAKER: Sherrie Gilbert, Professional Speaker and Corporate Trainer
p
Understanding history is always key to moving forward. This fast-paced seminar will walk participants through historical examples showing the important distinction between riots, demonstrations, and looting.
Key Takeaways
p
  • History lesson on Demonstrations
  • Difference between Protesting vs. Riots vs. Looting​
  • How to teach the next generation
p
The PCBC is supporting racial equality among the business community by partnering with the Business Council of Westchester, as well as the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, and other Hudson Valley business organizations to provide Free Anti-Racism Educational Programming, developed and presented by professionals from Balancing Life’s Issues.
p
Click BELOW TO REGISTER
REGISTER

REPLAY – Anti-Racism Educational Series – Session 3 How to be an Inclusive Leader

If you missed the session on “How to be an Inclusive Leader” with Jada Jackson, here is a chance to see the Replay
p
Click the Image BELOW TO SEE REPLAY