It has been an intense week in Chicagoland and around the country. This is a critical juncture for all of us to do what is right and embrace our common humanity. The protests this weekend remind us that:

• We must hear, respect, and act on the pleas of protesters for the justice of George Floyd and so many others. 

• We must do more than acknowledge that racism exists, we must actively pursue and advocate for a more equitable and just society. 

• We must all hold ourselves and those around us accountable for a higher standard of daily behavior and overall justice. 

• We need to fight against the division, racism and bigotry that continues in this country.

• We must remember #GeorgeFloyd and make this the point at which we decided that this injustice must STOP!

• As an industry, it’s easier to shrug and wait for others to act. It’s easier to focus on your business, and do nothing. But Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network was founded three years ago based on creating a network to drive inclusion and economic growth in our region and in our communities. And we will double down on doing just that. 

• With all that 2020 has brought us in terms of challenges, NOW IS THE TIME for you and your companies to be engaged and to make a difference 

Now is the time to do something that supports communities across Chicagoland, makes the world better, and helps ensure justice.

- Alan Reed