A Slack channel has been created for use by owners, operators and other key players in the FEC industry to share knowledge, best practices and ideas during and after the Covid-19 crisis.

Christine Buhr

Created by a small group within the FEC community, the Slack channel has grown to include nearly 200 participants around the world within just a few weeks since it was created at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Those in the FEC community who would like to participate in the channel and contribute value can request to join at fecinternational.org. Founding member Christine Buhr (pictured), former owner and president of Shakers Fun Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, said: “The seed for the idea actually came from several stakeholders in the FEC community and we moved quickly and collaboratively to bring it to life because we knew we couldn’t waste any time helping each other navigate the craziness.

“There’s a clear need for this new way for all of us to stay in touch with each other, share a variety of ideas and, candidly, sometimes commiserate a bit about many of the issues we’re all struggling with now and working hard to address.”

The FEC International Community on Slack features a variety of channels that participants can use to talk about specific topics. It includes a channel featuring industry news and events, a channel for FEC professionals to become introduced to each other for the first time, a channel for specific needs and requests and a robust channel specific to Covid-19 given its relevance and immediacy.

Buhr added: “While the channel was created in light of the struggles FEC owners and operators are dealing with currently, the intent is for the FEC International Community to stay active well beyond this tough period for everyone.

“The friendships, relationships and trust we’re forging now with each other will be strong as a result, and we want to leverage that in the future when things return to normal again.”