Page 42 - ShowSight - May 2020
P. 42

                 Dear dog show family,
A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER
The COVID-19 situation has evolved further and we are dealing with a significant challenge.
The World Health Organization has declared this outbreak a pandemic. Many governments around the world have taken rigorous measures to ensure the safety of their citizens. In addition to everyone’s immediate and grave health concerns, we are seeing a much wider impact on all of our lives and on the economy. Understandably, there is a greater sense of unease everywhere. It is in this context that I would like to address you.
First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone within our community for what you have already done to weather this crisis and for getting those who are closest to you—including us at Showsight—prepared to cope with this situation. Your com- mitment makes all the difference. As a community, we are resilient and we will overcome this current crisis.
Over the course of the last 20 to 100 years, we have seen—and mastered—many challenging moments. Most recently, we’ve endured a post-911 world and we’ve survived the Great Recession that followed. Personally, I was raised in a war as a child. Hard- ship is not a stranger in my life. I wish it never happened, but it has made me believe that the bad doesn’t last long. My experi- ences taught me not to panic, to stay positive-minded and to work harder on helping others, now more than ever.
I would like to remind you of the special responsibility that a company like ours (which was built with your support) has at this time. Since March 17th, proceeds have been donated to assist many within our community who are in need of a helping hand with food, rent and utilities—the essentials. In addition, I have personally researched a large number of banking institu- tions to find one that can help those within our community who have not received an Economic Impact Payment or Paycheck Protection Program. Sadly, many people haven’t been helped by their bank(s). We are proud to report that, as of May 11th, we have helped 863 individuals.
It is in times of crises that heroes are born. In all modestly, we want the values of Showsight to shine at this difficult hour. We earnestly and humbly request of all to contribute more than ever by helping our community. This is the moment for extra effort, for going the extra mile. I fully recognize that we are asking a lot because all of us are also busy managing challenging personal and family situations at this moment. However, your extra effort will make a huge difference to you and to our society as a whole.
I would also like to recognize our employees—your commitment and your discipline are critical at this time to maintain business continuity. It is my priority to support you in this important endeavor. Personally, during this time I have no business hours...I work as long as my community needs me. Thank goodness my wife and daughters are only a room or two away from my home office (for those frequent and short little visits).
To overcome our unique challenges, we should stay focused on three priorities. First, the safety of all of us is paramount. We can only make positive contributions, and live our purpose and values, if we stay healthy and avoid spreading the virus. Second, business continuity is key. None of us, not even our leaders, can surely know if it is or isn’t too early to start going to dog shows. I have spoken with a lot of people within our community (AKC Board Members, Breeders, Handlers, Judges, Club Board Mem- bers) and no one is fully sure what is right or wrong. All we have now is our opinions and speculations which we are basing on our own experiences and knowledge. Since none of us are 100% sure, we must continue to treat everyone with respect and not judge. Instead, let’s hope that our government makes the right decisions. I do believe that they are trying to do what’s best for humanity. So, please remember to follow the guidance of your State Officials and their COVID-19 Committees. And third—to the extent that you can—please provide a helping hand to all around us. This is the moment to demonstrate grace under pressure. We have a lot of people who don’t have strength to ask for help and this is why every day we need to get out there and offer help; not wait to be asked for it, but offer it. Please help them to get through this—it is part of our values and people will remember. This will be a time when we can be a true force of good.
This mindset also applies to all of us here at Showsight. We refer to ourselves as a family company. A challenging moment like this is the time to live family values. I am proud and inspired by the way our company has risen to this challenge—with flexibility, resilience, courage, and a caring heart. I thank our team here for making this one of our finest hours.
Let me finish with this...I am working hard to cope with this crisis. I will be with you every step of the way. Like most of you, I also have a family to worry about. I am a colleague, but also a father, a husband and a son. At times like these, the worry list can be long for all of us—there are no exceptions. But I am convinced that we will get through this if we do not lose our self-confidence and our energy. It is literally in our hands.
Please, do look after yourselves, your families, neighbors and community—and stay safe. Thank you. Always best,
AJ ARAPOVIC,
Founder of Aramedia Group
CEO & Publisher Showsight Magazine
 40 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2020


















































































   40   41   42   43   44