As we kick off 2022, I find myself focusing on the idea of resolutions. It’s a time-honored New Year’s tradition usually met with skepticism across the board. People resolve to lose weight, volunteer more, stop smoking, et cetera. And, while all noble quests, we are skeptical because we know how easy it is to fall back into a routine, into a comfort zone. 

Resolutions take focus, dedication, and determination, and they require pushing boundaries, embracing change, and living outside of familiarity and routine. Making a resolution is the first step towards making a difference.

Over the past 12 months, I have had the honor of serving as President of Siouxland Growth Organization. When I was elected, I resolved to follow in the footsteps of my amazing predecessors and continue to commit to growing and improving our group and the community as a whole. It has been a pleasure to work with a group of like-minded young professionals who go above and beyond, day in and day out, to help shape the future of Siouxland. We resolve to network, volunteer, and get involved in our community. We hope that by doing so, we will attract and retain young professionals to the area, solidifying the future foundation of leaders in Siouxland. 

This resolution has faced many challenges since March 2020, as we all have. We struggled to get involved in the community, network, and volunteer in the midst of the pandemic, finding it hard to make meaningful connections through a screen. Yet, we stayed resolute. We rescheduled, adapted, pivoted, and created new ways to hold events and stay true to our commitment. 

The year 2022 will be no different. This marks our 20th year as an organization, and our resolution is just as strong to grow Siouxland. I am excited to see the fresh ideas the newly elected board will bring in the next year, and I cannot wait to see what the next 20 years will bring to this wonderful community we call home. Thank you all for your resolutions!

Emily Vondrak
2021 Siouxland Growth Organization President