Giant leaps and baby steps…
On May 30th, we sat on the edge of our seats watching SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launch its way into orbit and fame. About 19 hours after lift-off, astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in their Crew Dragon capsule autonomously docked with the International Space Station to complete the first trip to the outpost from a U.S. spaceport since the retirement of the space shuttle in 2011. Millions watched and cheered. Mission accomplished. It was great news!
Meanwhile, back on planet earth, countries around the world were, and still are, contemplating a very different mission critical. Stages 1 and 2 of re-opening their businesses, their communities, their flightpaths after months of Covid-19 lockdown. As we head into summer full-on, what was hoped to be the beginning of ‘new normal’ now seems to have taken one step forward, two steps back.
Both of these ultra-complex missions – on and off planet – are all about logistics, planning to the nth degree, anticipating obstacles, and relying on science for the solutions. Pivoting at a moment’s notice. Gleaning the utmost intelligence from technology and innovation. In our July issue of Business View Magazine, we profile a wonderful array of essential service companies and progressive cities that are adapting and innovating at record speed to keep us safe and our economies rolling, albeit at a somewhat slower pace.
In the Financial Sector, Alliant Credit Union has gone all digital, all the time – their online and mobile banking model eliminates the worry of physical contact, so you can take care of your money… and yourself. From the accounting perspective, award-winning CPA firm, Abdo, Eick & Meyers, goes beyond the numbers with their People + Process strategy for empowering business growth.
Being able to communicate with people locally, nationally, and internationally, while working from a home base is more crucial than ever before. Goodman Networks and New Lisbon Telephone Company are proof positive that business and the business of life goes on (with only an occasional glitch). Energy, too, is a key sector. Progressive Pipeline Management‘s unique method of pipeline repair is a gamechanger for infrastructure renewal. Another major player, Black Mountain Sand provides in-basin frac sand and expert solutions to the E&P (exploration and production) industry.
Dry cleaners and laundromats were deemed essential early on in the pandemic, especially for front line workers, so all 180 Tide Cleaners stores have been operating throughout with adaptations and advanced protocols put in place. Public transportation is another essential service – on Nantucket, the Regional Transit Authority makes it fun and easy to move around the island on ‘The Wave’ buses.
While we may not be able to travel in person, Business View is pleased to share a virtual road trip around the U.S. Discover the lure of business savvy Kansas City, Kansas; Independence County and the City of Maumelle, Arkansas; Adair County, Letcher County, and Madisonville, Kentucky; and the City of Pitt Meadows in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
Yes, collectively, we’ve taken giant leaps and baby steps in the recent weeks and months. For that we should all be proud – and cautious. Resiliency will win out, but not without patience. While you’re waiting, we hope this month’s edition of Business View brings some welcome entertainment and insight. Stay safe, keep the wheels of innovation turning, and above all, be kind to each other.
Lorie Lee Steiner
Associate Editor
Business View Magazine
