Embracing the ‘silver’
Chair's Message
Ben Ellingson, CPA, CGMA | December 2020/January 2021 Footnote
Editor's note: Updated November 30, 2020
The holiday season is upon us and we are nearing the end of a very unusual and challenging year. If you’re like me, you may be making adjustments to your usual festivities — rethinking travel plans or contemplating new traditions — as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
As I reflect on this year, one major theme comes to mind: adapting.
In March, we quickly adapted to new ways of working and interacting with clients, customers, vendors and team members. Many of us settled into our home offices (or kitchen tables, guest rooms …) and had to adapt to working remotely. I had thought by fall we would be back together in our offices and a little closer to what we once thought of as “normal.” However, the tactical considerations of simply “getting work done” have shifted to include longer-term considerations around new ways to work as a team, how to maintain and develop a company culture, deploy training methods and other factors based on continued remote-working environments for many.
As I’ve shared before, I feel incredibly fortunate to take part in a profession where we have been able to continue working during the uncertain times this year has brought. Despite the challenges, I’ve certainly seen plenty of opportunities and silver linings arise from our current environment as well — both personally and professionally.
For me, one silver lining is the change in the concept of vacation. Normally, our family would take a couple trips each year to a new state or area to check out what it has to offer, and we were working toward checking off all 50 states. The trips were jam-packed — and we saw plenty — but we often lined up more to do than was necessary. This year, with travel restrictions and safety precautions in place, the family lake cabin was a great retreat, and spending time together with simpler agendas and calendars has brought a much-needed chance to catch our breath and enjoy a little downtime.
I know many of our members will soon focus on wrapping up year-end and closing out 2020, while others will gear up for what promises to be one of the more unusual busy seasons in some time. I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, and all my best for a safe, productive and more predictable New Year!
Sincerely,
Ben Ellingson, CPA, CGMA
Chair, MNCPA board of directors
boardchair@mncpa.org
