2020: A Year in Review at the Lansing Regional Chamber
2020 has been a year unlike any other. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted our business community, and we are all working hard to recover. Early in the pandemic, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) recognized that we had a vital role in helping our community through the crisis. Our focus has been on providing as many resources as possible to support our region’s business community to maintain strong, viable operations. We are proud of our efforts and the various ways we have stepped up to help businesses, non-profits, municipalities, and the entire Lansing region navigate COVID-19.
As the voice of business in Greater Lansing, the LRCC recognized that our role in providing regional leadership was never more important than during the challenging times we have dealt with the past several months. The LRCC took the lead to form the RELAUNCH Greater Lansing Task Force, a coalition of business, education, government, and healthcare professionals. The RELAUNCH Task Force was dedicated to developing a comprehensive strategy for sectors within the Lansing region to reopen and re-engage business safely and successfully. We created a resource guide and comprehensive website that serves as a one-stop experience for organizations seeking the latest information regarding COVID-19.
We are incredibly proud of our leadership work in the advocacy arena. Most notably, the opening of the Coleman Road extension, a $7.6 million project that will improve traffic flow and open new development opportunities in northern Ingham and southern Clinton counties. Our political action committee, the LRC-PAC, enjoyed a banner year, as 95% of our endorsed candidates were elected in 2020.
Our events and programming teams refused to be deterred by the setbacks brought forth by the pandemic. We quickly shifted our focus to providing our valued networking opportunities in a virtual environment. Our more than 30 virtual programs have reached more than 4,700 participants. We have also recognized the strong business and community leadership through our Annual Dinner, ATHENA, 10 Over the Next Ten, and Celebration of Regional Growth award programs.
The LRCC marketing and communications team continues to expand our unique branding opportunities, connecting and building awareness. In 2020, we have increased our social media platforms that now reach nearly 20,000 users and upgraded our Focus Magazine to include a new, easy-to-use flipbook, digital technology.
These extraordinary efforts to support our business community would not be possible without the support of our investors. 2020 has shown us that there is no better time to be a member of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Your continued investment supports the regional leadership we bring to help your business connect, grow, and thrive. Working together, especially in tough times, we will continue to build a prosperous region.
All the best to you for a strong finish in 2020, and a safe, healthy, productive, and profitable 2021.