After the blizzard that hit much of the country in December 2022, I found myself thankful. My family and I were able to stay warm and safe at home, and I was able to work remotely. For us, the blizzard was a relatively minor inconvenience. Many, as you know, weren’t so lucky. Millions lost power, many had to travel in treacherous conditions, dozens lost their lives.

There are some parallels between the blizzard and the COVID-19 pandemic, though clearly major differences in magnitude – some people were able to work from home while others had little choice but to work in person; there were impacts on both physical and mental health; and the repercussions last well beyond the initial impacts.

As our region continues to adjust to and recover from these events, the focus of some of the articles in this edition of the Seidman Business Review is particularly relevant. How many people in Kent County have reliable internet access at home, and what can policymakers do to improve that number? What impact have federal relief funds had on the regional economy? How can managers improve their ability to address behavior concerns in the workplace, including those arising from mental health issues?

As always, my hope with the articles in the Review is that they serve to inform and educate. Our world has changed dramatically over the last few years, and for the growth of our society it is vital for us as individuals to understand how we can all better the storm.