I know there’s some enthusiastic expectations about the July Board Meeting so I wanted to provide some insight to our plans and also some limitations.  I apologize for the delay in getting this out.

Note that there are staff comments below so please keep this email Board Confidential.

I don’t want these points to be construed as anything other than providing information and guidance. 

• It is our intention to officially ‘open’ HQ with the Board Meeting here in July.  I will be seeking approval from EC to make it something huge to include inviting the Governor, CT Senators, our local Congressman, and perhaps a representative of FCC, possible the FCC Chair.  We believe it would be beneficial to take the opportunity to obtain some positive PR by attempting to make the reopening and the first in-person Board Meeting in a year a news “event” that would be picked up by local/state news and perhaps a national news agency.  We want Members and the public to be excited about ARRL weathering the pandemic.

• In terms of entering HQ, we remain a state with COVID protocols for offices.  Our current protocol specifically prohibits staff from socializing around the building.  While Board members are here, we will need to continue to follow those protocols; thus there will be no opportunity to walk through the building to check-in on people.  Despite expecting HQ to be officially re-opened at that point, only a small number of visitors will be permitted to enter the lobby, unless they have an appointment in a conference room. 

• We are dealing with certain staff who are extremely concerned about being in the building due to COVID.  I continue to project a positive message to staff, and hope by mid-July that the COVID vaccination rate and infection rate numbers for CT will be outstanding.  That said, we’ve been baselessly reported twice to OSHA for allegedly not following COVID protocols in the building.  We need to be careful to continue following protocol.

• During that week we will also be running the Teachers Institute which will be a hybrid event.  They will be using the large conference room so it will be unavailable.

• I would encourage you that if you want to schedule a meeting with a staff member that you coordinate it through Carla and plan on keeping the meeting brief given the limitations.

This is a view of July from today.  Things may become more open, we may find that most or all employees have been vaccinated, and the concern over COVID has diminished.  As we get closer to the Board Meeting, of course we will update you!

Thanks

David