Back in our March 2020 newsletter, I shared a quote from Pope Francis that I hoped would spur much-needed optimism.  However, as the world begins to re-opens, I find it especially appropriate to revisit:

“Tonight before falling asleep think about when we will return to the street. When we hug again, when all the shopping together will seem like a party. Let's think about when the coffees will return to the bar, the small talk, the photos close to each other. We think about when it will be all a memory but normality will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift. We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us. Every second will be precious. Swims at the sea, the sun until late, sunsets, toasts, laughter. We will go back to laughing together. Strength and courage."

On this same theme, I’d also like to commend our CFBN member Mars Wrigley for their Extra Gum “When It’s Time” advertising that so perfectly captures the joy of reconnecting. If you haven’t seen it, please click and take a look at its humorous and poignant take.

In short, as Chicagoland, the country and the world opens, I hope that we can all take a moment to appreciate the important connections between us all, and to savor re-connecting with the people and the world around us. To assist with this, CFBN will begin returning to in-person events starting this September.  We truly can’t wait to see you all!  Stay tuned as we make the necessary updates and roll out the revised calendar of events through the end of this year and into 2022. 

As transitioning events will take some time, we will continue to keep the network connected and growing through high quality virtual events.  We hope that you’ll continue to join us – in fact, next week’s Innovation Series: Taste the Trends -- Rebuilding & Reinventing is a perfect way to celebrate what we have learned from the pandemic and chart a course forward into the future.  Click below for details and registration.  We hope you’ll join us – and we look forward to reconnecting in-person in the very near future.

Best Regards,

Alan Reed

CFBN Executive Director