mgreier@salemnews.net
SALEM The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off the new year with hope, not really knowing how membership numbers in 2021 will be affected by COVID-19.
“We gained members and we lost members that’s normal for us,” Chamber Executive Director Lori Jewell said for 2020.
The chamber has over 350 members and is in the process of sending out invoices for 2021 memberships.
In a newsletter to members, she acknowledged the significant impact to area businesses from the virus and the actions that had to be taken in an attempt to curb it. Some businesses were shut down for some time, and others like Salem Twin Cinema and the Salem Community Theatre remain closed.
INDIA New England News
BOSTON Indian Medical Association of New England, known as IMANE, held its 42
nd annual gala virtually this year due to COVID-19 pandemic, and re-elected current executive committee, including its president, for another term in 2021. Raj Sharma, managing director of Wealth Management and Head of The Sharma Group, served as the chief guest and keynote speaker.
Due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, IMANE was unable to offer most of its usual activities in person, including the Spring CME Educational Program, Health Stop Clinic services, and the Annual Gala in 2020, said IMANE President Dr. Dhrumil Shah. The IMANE Executive Committee and Board of Trustees recommended to consider 2020 to be a ‘non-year’, he added.