A Message From GMBA President,
Kevin Warhurst,
Vice President, Merrifield Garden Center
It’s hard to believe that March is here and the spring season is just around the corner. After a long year of dealing with the pandemic and a rather chilly month of February, I know I for one am really looking forward to the warmer days and more sunshine ahead, regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil had to say.
It was so nice to get everyone together last month for our virtual State of the Union address, where we heard from a host of speakers about the past, present and future of the GMBA and this special place we call Merrifield. Many thanks to our immediate past president, Billy Thompson, and past presidents and board members Karen Hammond and Bob and Linda Mortensen, for sharing their insights on how much Merrifield has changed over the years while still maintaining its unique character. We are fortunate to have such passionate people that have poured their heart and soul into this great organization and community, and helped make them what they are today.
As we enter March and begin to finish out the first quarter of 2021 and look forward to the spring, I am feeling cautiously optimistic about the months ahead. With a third approved vaccine now in the arsenal in the fight to control the virus, and manufacturers continuing to ramp up production, I am hopeful that these efforts will outpace the spread of the other strains and that our world will look a lot brighter come summertime. Let’s all hope that’s the case anyway.
Until we get there, we’ll have to continue meeting virtually while also planning for the days where we can all be together again and share handshakes and hugs, in-person networking opportunities and great guest speakers. But it sure is nice when it at least feels like we can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Finger’s crossed!
I would like to thank Delegate Marcus Simon for introducing Commending Resolutions in the Virginia General Assembly honoring several businesses and individuals in the GMBA which are celebrating important milestones and made other significant contributions to the community. The following business were recognized:
· McCabe’s Printing
· The Hammond Agency
· The Original Pancake House
· Communications Electronics
· First Baptist Church of Merrifield
· Merrifield Garden Center
· Billy Thompson
Congratulations to all of these member organizations and for all they do for the Merrifield community and beyond. We appreciate Delegate Simon’s kind gesture in showcasing these organizations to the public through these Resolutions in the state legislature.
Lastly, the GMBA has had initial discussions with Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik’s office about the idea of hosting a business roundtable event sometime this spring. While the details of this event still need to be worked out, the idea would be to promote our member businesses to the community and share our mission to the public. This could be a great way for the citizens to learn more about our businesses, and hopefully learn ways that we can work more closely together. We will update you on this as further discussion takes place and we have a better idea of how this roundtable will operate.
Until next time, stay safe, have a great March, and I look forward to seeing you all soon as we continue to carry on the great work that happens everyday in Merrifield.
