“What will be the main headlines you predict for 2020?”

If someone had asked me that question in January, I surely would never have guessed a pandemic that traps us in our homes and shuts the economy, and peaceful protest marches in our nation’s cities that were followed by evenings of violence from looters stealing from people and stores – many serving the disadvantaged.

I’ve been following politics since I can remember, which means for more than 50 years, and I’ve never in my business career written an email like this to my colleagues. But I feel compelled today because silence is not what we need among our leaders – whether at ASI or in our local, state and federal governments. We need to stand, politics aside, for what’s right. And what’s right is equal treatment under the law for every American, in every city and in every institution across our beloved nation.

At this very troubling time, this very scary time, I share long-standing key ASI Values, which serve as my North Star:

• We care. About our members and colleagues and the communities where we live and work.
• We treat people as we would like to be treated. That means listening and considering alternative views and ideas.
• We are fair, open and honest with each other, our members, our partners and our vendors. We deliver on our promises.
• We embrace diversity. In race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability, veteran status and everything in between. Diversity broadens and deepens our understanding, and helps us represent and serve everyone.
• We hold ourselves, and each other, accountable. That’s how we learn for next time.

Above all else, we’re with each other every step of the way.

In my personal and professional lives, I need to be better. Better at listening to what my brothers and sisters are saying. Better at trying to imagine walking in the shoes of others. Better at caring about others, especially in times of great stress, fear and anger. Better at uncomfortable conversations about race and injustice, especially with those who aren’t like me: I’m white, male, privileged and safe in my home and on the streets.

My heart goes out to everyone in our community, both the community of colleagues at the ASI Family of Companies and in the communities where we live, learn, work, pray, shop, play and share ourselves with family and friends.

Be safe, be well and be open to understanding.

Regards,
TA