As I write this column, half the population of the U.S. has been issued stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19. During the pandemics spread, many questions have been directed at WSA from our sweeping contractor members, from “Are contractors considered essential services?” to “Can we sweep Walmarts earlier than midnight since they’re closing early?”
I’m proud to report that WSA has provided the answers to these and many other member questions, as well as provided links to informational webinars and more via a series of breaking news email bulletins.
WSA also developed, in collaboration with WorldSweeper.com, the industry’s first — and most comprehensive —sweeping-centric online resource, which was provided as an effort to help all in the industry understand best practices, rights and obligations, tips for operational safety, etc. As long as the pandemic is an issue, you’ll find the frequently updated page linked at both the WorldSweeper and WSA website ((www.WorldSweepingPros.org).
However, even in normal times, the benefits of group sharing of information is invaluable. Shared knowledge will become even more important in the economy that will emerge after the COVID-19 pandemic leaves us. In its wake will emerge new varieties of "business as usual."
What have been taken as normal business practices may never be seen again. Conversely, I expect new industry opportunities to develop, first in specific, isolated, sections of the U.S. and then, like the virus, spreading gradually to everywhere in the country.
The best way to learn about these — as well as emerging new pitfalls — is to leverage the information resources that can best be provided by membership in an industry association like WSA. Eleanor Roosevelt is famously quoted as saying we need to “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
At WSA, we look forward to continuing to lead the sweeping industry in providing the info you need to keep your business viable, now and in the years to come.
