Dear AMA SF friends,

I remember the day the whole world stood still, back in March of 2020, when many of us thought that this lockdown, this pandemic, was going to go away in a matter of weeks. Those weeks have turned into months, quite possibly years.

As we celebrate the arrival of a new year, it’s clear many things have changed—some for better, some for worse. Some things will eventually go back to how they were; some have changed forever.

Today we can work for a company anywhere in the world. We can brainstorm with a team spread out around the country, get our meals, our groceries, our clothes delivered at home in a matter of hours, see a doctor virtually, or have a video party with friends. The movies are no longer at the movies, and the Oscars are given to TV films.

Although, at times, it seems like many of these changes make it easier for us not to venture out of our homes, what has not changed is the need to connect with each other. The channels are different, and the distances have disappeared, but the message is still the same.

2022 will bring many challenges for those of us who are in the business of “communicating messages.” However, exciting opportunities also are coming our way: new platforms, new technologies, new trends, new ideas.

At the American Marketing Association San Francisco Chapter, we will keep working hard to support our mission of connecting Bay Area marketers through insightful programs, diverse educational resources, impactful networking experiences, and career advancement opportunities. All advancing towards a better future for our members and our communities.

When I became the president back in July, the Board and I committed to reactivating the Bay Area marketing community, supported by new opportunities for networking, volunteering, educating, partnering, connecting with members, and mentoring. Although we still have a long way to go, I am happy to say that we have made significant strides in all these areas, including hosting our first in-person event since the start of the pandemic earlier this month in collaboration with PRSA.

In addition to our partnership withs PRSA, I value and am committed to continuing AMA SF’s collaboration with many other Bay Area nonprofit organizations, including BAARC, sfBIG, AIGA, VMA, and The Job Forum. Like AMA SF, they are all supporting our communities. We are stronger together, and to them, I say, “Thank you.”

AMA SF will keep you posted on upcoming events, networking and volunteering opportunities, and new initiatives like our mentorship program that will launch during our annual career fair event in February.

On behalf of all the volunteers and members of the AMA SF, I want to wish you a year full of joy, peace, success, connectedness, and, most importantly, health for you and your loved ones.

Happy Holidays!

Gerardo Garcia-Jurado
President, AMA SF