To the Members of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network:

We want to thank you for the exemplary leadership you have shown over the last few weeks as we face this unprecedented challenge in the form of COVID-19. Throughout a period when information shared by our elected leaders was often confusing, and consumers started to “panic-buy” as a result of the unknown, our member companies continued to produce the food needed to feed the nation. Member companies and the service-providers who assist them were ready to provide the necessary support when needed. We could not be prouder of our Network and the role that you play. But it is just the beginning.

With new challenges and complications presenting themselves daily, one of the consistent concerns we hear from consumers, our local and state elected officials, and the White House is whether or not there will be enough food and beverage to fill the shelves of our nation’s supermarkets over a prolonged period. As we know from countries such as Italy and France, and our own San Francisco, when the geographic areas go into a lock-down situation, only the supermarkets and the pharmacies remain open, along with the hospitals. This makes clear that we have a similar responsibility as the healthcare community -- to assist in keeping our communities and our country alive and well.

During these challenging times, we want to share how we at CFBN are pivoting as an organization:

1. Until further notice, all events will be held free of charge online to provide safe access to as many individuals as possible.
2. We will be seeking to alter our programming to make certain we are offering the information that you need today to continue to operate your respective businesses. (See this link for a quick 4 question anonymous survey to help!)
3. We will amplify our voice within the community and with the corresponding government bodies to make certain they are aware of our capabilities as well as our needs.
4. We will continue to serve as a resource for our industry members as we navigate these ever-changing waters.

In summary, we are here for you and we will continue to provide the programming, support the knowledge-sharing, connect the industry, and serve as a resource during these turbulent times. We will continue to proudly serve as the leading city for the Food & Beverage community.

 

Joel Warady, Chairman, CFBN

Alan Reed, Executive Director, CFBN