May atmore 2020

Emily
Wilson
It has long been said that absence makes the heart
grow fonder. After the last month with so many of us
working remotely and many of our favorite businesses
closed or restricted from their normal activities, we are
all longing to get back to normal. We want to find ourselves
back in our favorite places and near familiar
faces.
For our local businesses here in Atmore, the
COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis, but through
these challenges, our business community is showing
its resilience. Together, we all can find ways to be
stronger than ever before.
If all the bad news and uncertainty is wearing you out,
here is a positive thought to focus on: Without a doubt
those of us who so passionately believe in the
power of community are being proven right. On a
national level, it may look like we are falling apart, but
we need to remember that our strength has always
manifested on the local level. I've said it before and I'll
say it once more: Locally is where America is at its best.
My time in Atmore has given me the great gift of
getting to know our leaders and citizens. And I've come
to see that Atmore is made of incredibly strong stuff.
We're innovative and resourceful. We're connected,
caring, and compassionate.
Even in the face of challenges, we're optimists at heart.
And that's why I feel this is our time to shine.
Communities like Atmore will be the saving grace in
a nation wracked by the coronavirus and (moreover)
the fear of the coronavirus. I believe this with everything
in me. And in the same way people are catching the
“panic” bug, can't we also catch the “help each other”
bug? I believe we can – and I believe it will start on a
community level.
I want to emphasize that we will get out of this, we'll
come back stronger. Normalcy will return to our
community. In the days ahead as we all begin to recover
and Atmore comes back to life, I believe we all need to
remember the following:
Remember that localism matters
Locally is where leaders in all sectors can make the
most difference. It's where we need to concentrate our
best thinking and our best efforts. People throughout
the Atmore area had the proverbial rug pulled out from
under them in every arena: business, work, financial,
family, and personal life. We can all help to put our
community back on the right track by shopping and
living local in the days ahead.
Chamber Notes
8
Look after our neighbors in need
Community groups and members throughout Atmore
have done an amazing job of helping their neighbors
but the work is not done. We must continue to identify
those in need and figure out ways to help. Think elderly,
sick and housebound people, those who live in underprivileged
areas, small children without access to food.
Activate the “can-do” attitude in our community
Celebrate small wins. Make a big deal out of them.
We really need something positive to think and talk
about right now. With enough small wins, we can all be
part of starting to create momentum. Also, focus on
resilience. Remember that as bad as things are right
now, Atmore is strong enough to get through this crisis.
The days ahead can essentially be thought of like an
old-fashioned barn raising. We need to come together
to provide help where and when it is needed. It's up to
us to help our community recover. Above all, remember
that the hard times won't last forever. When we get
intentional about doing what we can to strengthen and
build up our community, we're doing more than surviving.
We're setting the stage for renewed growth and
revitalization once this pandemic dies down (and it will).
One day in the not-too-distant future, we will find we
made it through the tough times and came out on the
other side stronger, better, and closer than ever.
Emily Wilson, CHSO, is Executive Director,
Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce.