President's column: Global challenges
Last week I wrote of regional challenges, writes Robert Elliot, president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce.
This week having watched the inauguration of President Joe Biden I wanted to look at global challenges and how similar they can be for us at local level.
I 'm fascinated by speeches, and how they reflect, a mood, a situation, and a pathway. I listened intently to the 46th Presidents address. Whatever your politics there was some fascinating content.
He spoke of hope, renewal, and resolve. America, like many countries has been challenged and are rising to the challenge. He spoke of his predecessors who had achieved much but was quick to recognise it was not just one person, a few people, but many very often unseen.
He spoke, and I think we recognise this, that there is much to do, much to heal, and much to restore. Jobs have been lost, businesses closed and environmental issues off the scale. Rarely have we been more challenged.
He asked for unity, I 'll call it togetherness, because with togetherness comes great things, important things. Jobs, schools, careers, training, investment, sustainability, and where there is suffering, equality and charity.
So why do I say this? In Solihull in my two years we have championed equality, diversity, and mental health. We have embarked on activities surrounding Business Engaging with Education. We 've developed our Eco Pledge, supported local charities, and run events both virtual and in person to keep us talking. We continue now with our Covid and Brexit support, essentially our clear and present danger.
As a chamber we will always help growth, we will connect, we will support. We will always work with our partners and supporters. Together we are stronger, and more people will benefit. We have hope, and we have great resolve.
One more thing? When I leave office in March. I promise I will not fly out of BHX on a 747 to the sounds of Frank Sinatra 's “My Way ”!