Just a quick note to our colleagues to explain that unlike so many others, the lights are on, and we are working at usual pace in the unusual times. While we are not on the front lines of the viral epidemic, we are planning to be part of rebuilding the economy as soon as possible.

Since 2013, Vireo Advisors, LLC has been operating as a virtual company. Each of us maintains a home office, so we’ve not had to make adjustments to our work conditions, save for having loved ones around now much more. We already have secure file sharing processes, scheduled “face time” meetings via Zoom, project- specific team texting via Slack, and other internet tools like Zoho for new business planning that help keep us focused. We already know how to separate work and family life in our homes (although we are making adjustments). The biggest change is that our usually hectic travel schedules are on hold, plans for workshops and conferences are cancelled or postponed, most likely for the next two quarters at least.

In these uncertain and so rapidly evolving times, it is reassuring to look beyond the current unprecedented events toward a safer and more sustainable future, that we must stay focused to realize. We feel incredibly fortunate to be working with many forward-focused organizations to demonstrate the safety of the high-performance bio-based products of the future and help them gain regulatory clearances and market access. Our efforts are helping these novel technologies enter the market, that will create better – safer and more sustainable products for us to use, reducing people’s exposure to toxic substances and building a healthier economy. For the moment, we are working at our usual pace, which might feel high pressured to some, but for us is normal.

This post may seem quaint in the coming days, since it is unclear how much the isolation and social distancing will be effective in decreasing the exponential spread of SARS-COVID19 and the pain and suffering it is already causing around the globe. We share the concerns of so many about the health and economic impacts; in both cases, more suffering seems likely in the near term.

It helps to be experts in the field of health and environmental risk analysis, to understand that decisions are always made with imperfect evidence, and may feel extreme to some, and inadequate to others. When there is uncertainty, precaution is wise. As a society, we are learning and adapting as we go, and it is stressful, and won’t be perfect. Feeling panicked is not irrational.

It helps to both stay focused on the work we are already engaged in, and to consider what will make a difference in the long term. It helps to simply take a deep breath, step into the fresh air, and appreciate the riches around us. It helps to remain committed to our vision - of a healthier world with safer and more sustainable products driving a healthy economy, one that will support better human and environmental health so fewer of us will be so vulnerable to a novel virus.

It helps to know how many others share this vision and are continuing to focus on building it.

Please reach out if our expertise or support can help.