GAM: The National Conference Center; Placing Associates, Clients, and Community First

MAY 9, 2020—There is clearly no game book detailing step-by-step plays for the health crisis created by COVID-19, and certainly no leadership guide for a forced economic shutdown. Perhaps that is why we find it so impressive to witness innovative, creative, and effective programs small business quickly put in place to make a difference. After much deliberation, The National made the agonizing decision to suspend its operations effective March 18, 2020.

The conference center’s leadership team and owners first had to consider the health and safety of departing guests, but they quickly turned their attention to the needs of 185 furloughed associates. For those who were furloughed, management extended benefits through May to financially assist the associates, all of whom are considered family. The National executive team remains cautiously optimistic the immediate health crisis will be much improved by the end of May. The economy will be another matter, and leadership will address the ability to onboard furloughed employees as the month of May draws to an end. In the meantime, the Sales & Conference Planning team has been retained to serve and support clients postponing, canceling, and rebooking their March, April, and May programs.