Editor: The Aurora community deserves immense credit for adapting over the last year to the ever changing factors of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Residents faced life-threating symptoms and too many lost loved ones to this deadly virus. Our local businesses were also forced to make tough choices on operations and employment. At the Aurora Chamber of Commerce we quickly pivoted in providing resources to our membership on loan opportunities, legal support, and safety information.
One fundamental resource that supported workers and families throughout the pandemic was our local hospital system, HealthONE.
Not only did our frontline workers provide live-saving care to every patient that came through their doors, but HealthONE generously gave to our local communities that were suffering the most. Notably, key donations to the Colorado COVID-19 Relief Fund, Mile High United Way, and the Food Bank of the Rockies directly impacted our members and families in the Aurora area.
It is important to remember that even outside of a global health crisis our hospital systems provide critical financial support to our communities through employment opportunities, taxes, and in-kind contributions. HealthONE’s role in the Aurora economy has not gone unnoticed to our Chamber and its members, and their presence in our area is critical to our economic future.
With our strong local hospital systems and diverse business community, Aurora will continue to prosper. I look forward to seeing every business operate fully again.
— Kevin Hougen, via letters@sentinelcolorado.com
Kevin Hougen is the CEO and president of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.