One year ago, a viral pandemic of COVID’s magnitude was predicted by only a few virologists. Although I recognized this potential, it was only a fleeting occasional thought. This time of year, typically brings IWCIs annual seminar where many of us gather to be educated or catch up with old friends. We would have already had 2 to 3 educational luncheons and been chatting about who had the longest drive at the Golf Outing, months before. Well, as we all know, this year has been much different. Who would have thought we would be wearing face masks for much of our waking hours or having to social distance when partaking in social activities? Many of us are now working from home and the only happy hours we get to enjoy are virtual. My educational engagements this year have been conducted online and many others postponed or cancelled.
I am once again saddened to report that your IWCI Board recently elected to cancel this years Holiday Party. There was unanimous agreement that we could not safely host an indoor event with hundreds of people. However, we did feel that an outdoor event where people could social distance posed much less risk and as such, we are moving forward with plans to host the IWCI Golf Outing on October 2nd. As this will likely be our only major event of the year, we are encouraging our sponsors to consider supporting this event. As a business owner, I realize budgets are tight, but I also believe that the educational opportunities that are central to IWCI’s mission provide a vital resource for work comp community. For those businesses that are weathering the storm, I would kindly ask that you continue your sponsorship of IWCI in order to help us be able to provide the same great opportunities to our members that they have enjoyed in the past. I am hopeful that we will have plenty golfers out enforce to compete for the first Coriden Cup. Stay tuned for the registration link that will soon be available on our website.
We are still scheduled for luncheons at the Ritz Charles October 15th and November 5th. Dr. Schwartz will present on Spine Surgery in October and the WCB will be addressing questions raised in the recent survey to members at the November event. We all miss the camaraderie of our group events but we are hopeful that next year we may return to some sense of normalcy.