When communities face challenges, they also reveal their character.
Over the past couple of weeks, our community has experienced something incredibly difficult. The flooding has impacted families, businesses, employees, farms, and organizations across Lincoln. If your business wasn’t directly affected, chances are someone you know was.
In moments like these, there’s really only one place to turn to: each other.
If you know me, you know I tend to look for the bright side, even during difficult times. While I wish none of this had happened, I have been genuinely inspired by the way our community has shown up for one another. We’ve watched neighbours lend a hand, businesses donate products and services, volunteers step forward without hesitation, and countless people ask one simple question: “How can I help?”
That spirit is exactly why the Lincoln Chamber exists.
This week, we quickly launched our Business Flood Recovery Hub to help centralize resources and make it easier for businesses to both find and offer support. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped us pull this together so quickly.
If your business has been affected, please take a few minutes to complete our Business Flood Impact Survey. The information you provide helps us better understand the impact on our business community and strengthens our ability to advocate for the support and resources our members need—both today and in the months ahead.
We’ve also created two additional forms:
- Volunteer & Support Form – If you’re able to donate your time, services, equipment, or products, we’d love to hear from you.
- Business Needs Request Form – If your business needs assistance, let us know. We’ll do our best to connect businesses with community members who are ready to help.
Please share these resources with your networks. There is a lot of information circulating, and we’re working to make it easier for our business community to find the support they need in one place.
We’re also encouraged to see all levels of government actively responding, and we’ll continue sharing updates and advocating for our local businesses as more information becomes available.
As we move forward, one of the most meaningful things we can all do is continue to shop local, support local, and choose local whenever possible.
Every purchase, every recommendation, and every visit helps businesses recover from lost revenue, damaged inventory, and unexpected closures.
Looking Ahead
Even amidst these challenges, there is still so much to celebrate.
Our Annual General Meeting is just two weeks away, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our incoming Board of Directors while recognizing those whose terms are coming to a close. If you haven’t already, please register to attend or submit your proxy so we can ensure quorum and celebrate another successful year together.
We’re also eagerly awaiting the announcement of this year’s Outstanding Business Achievement Awards finalists. Tickets are now on sale, and if last year was any indication, they won’t last long. We encourage you to reserve your seats early and join us as we celebrate the incredible businesses, organizations, and individuals that make Lincoln such a remarkable place to live, work, and do business.
As always, thank you for your resilience, your patience, and your kindness.
Please be patient with your neighbours. Be patient with local business owners. We never truly know what someone may be carrying behind the scenes, and right now many people are carrying a great deal.
Let’s continue lifting one another up, offering a helping hand where we can, and remembering that asking for help is just as courageous as giving it.
We’re here for you, and we’re proud to stand beside this incredible business community every step of the way.
Emilia Amaro
Executive Director, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce