April E-Newsletter | Resources for Kodiak Community; Adjusting to a New Normal

President's Message

Chamber Members,

In last month’s message I suggested that I hoped March would live up to its reputation – in like a lion out like a lamb. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that we would be facing a truly unprecedented situation never experienced before in any of our lifetimes. March is turning out to be more like a pack of lions on overdrive.

The global coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of our families, our businesses, our communities and our way of life. As business leaders, now is the time to come together and help our employees, our neighbors, our community to combat this invisible, strange enemy and get us back on track to our normal lives. I am, and I know you are, inspired by our selfless healthcare workers, community volunteers and local businesses who are working tirelessly to keep our community healthy, care for people in need, and to keep us stocked up on supplies.

This health crisis will no doubt be compounded by economic hardship in the coming months given the rapid and steep decline in economic activity that will affect many workers and their families in Kodiak and around the globe. Financial help is already available through the Small Business Association and we expect the State of Alaska and the Federal government to step up with more aid. The Borough and City are starting up a Kodiak Economic Task Force . Members of the task force include myself, Chamber Executive Director, Sarah Phillips and ex-officio chamber board members Captain Daily and Aimee Williams. We’ll be OK if we stick together. On that note I want to welcome our newest Chamber member – Emerald Isle Essentials.

In the interest of safety, all Business After Hours have been cancelled until further notice and ComFish postponed until September 17. Crab Fest may be postponed as well; the Chamber will be making that decision before April 17 and will certainly keep you posted. Additionally, the Chamber staff are working remotely and can reached be via email [ [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ] or by phone (907) 486-5557. The Chamber is an abundance of resources; please reach out to the Chamber staff for confidential help. If we know the specific needs of our members, we can offer them specialized resources.

Times like this reminds us that we’re all connected like never before. We are called upon to be our best selves, with patience, kindness, understanding and compassion – qualities Kodiakans are known for. We are strong, resilient and we will get through this.

Kodiak strong!

Julie Bonney

Our Sponsors

A Critical Survey

One of the best ways the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce can help your business at this time is to know the issues your business/organization is facing.

By completing the below survey, we can reach out to representatives to aid your business and develop targeted solutions with your business in mind.

Businesses (Chamber Members or not) - Reach out to the Chamber for confidential help for any of your business needs, we'll connect you with the resources you need.

Economic Impact Survey

Complete Kodiak Community

Resource Website

The Kodiak Economic Task Force - Formed by the Emergency Services Council has formed a comprehensive website for the Kodiak Community filled with resources from healthcare, volunteer opportunities, and business information for both the community and business representatives. Visit www.KodiakEconomicTaskForce.com

Free Social Selling Course for Businesses

Business Representatives looking for a way to sell your product during the COVID-19 pandemic? Chamber Members have access to the course at no cost! Email Sarah Phillips - [email protected] for access instructions.

The Social Selling Course: A Step-By-Step Guide to Selling on Social Media, even Without and E-Commerce Website!

It's time to adapt and take action! Everyone is telling you to use social media to sell your products. This course will show you HOW, so you can get started selling today.

This Course Is For You If:

You’re panicking and need a new way to sell to your customers
You need simple step-by-step guidance on using social media to sell
You’re lost on how to get started, or what to do next
You need inspiration and encouragement
You’ve been putting social media off, and now, possibly regretting it (don’t worry, it’s not too late - but I wouldn't wait any longer)

A Message About This Course and COVID-19 from Crystal Vilkaitis:

"I created this course to help retailers sell through social, connect with customers, and grow their online community. Currently, during the Coronavirus pandemic, circumstances are changing daily and whether you're closed, offering curbside pick-up, delivery, shipping, or if we get to the point where only essential items can be sold, I have taken that all into consideration while designing this course. Use this 3-hour training to equip yourself with the knowledge to stay relevant and considerate of your social media during this time of uncertainty. And, use it after we make it through this, together, as the tools and strategies will help you generate foot traffic and continued sales."

Email Kodiak Chamber for Course Access

Tips for Those Working from Home

In the midst of the new coronavirus pandemic, many companies are implementing voluntary or mandatory

work-from-home policies. That means lots of us are dealing with an unusual challenge: working from home for the first time, full-time.

Even if you’ve done it before, working from home because of coronavirus might feel like a whole new world: It’s probably sudden. It might be for an extended period of time rather than a day here and there (and you’re not at all sure how long it’ll last). Your whole company is involved. And you can’t necessarily socialize in person outside of work.

These tips will help you make sure that you’re successful, both at getting your work done and at maintaining your mental well-being: Get the tips here!

Support Local Businesses

Shop Eat Explore Kodiak is a new Facebook Page updated with information from our many Kodiak Businesses. Whether you're looking for updated business hours, opportunities to shop online, or the creative solutions our many businesses now have to reach customers, this page has it all!

Spend $100 Get $100

Discover Kodiak is proud to sponsor the first week of "Spend $100, Win $100". This is a weekly giveaway that will be sponsored by a different Kodiak small business each week. To get added to the weekly drawing, please send a picture of local small business receipts that total $100 or over to [email protected] . Once your receipts are verified, you will be added to the weekly drawing. Our first drawing will happen this Saturday, March 28th. Please note that this includes coffee shops, restaurants, in store and online purchases through our local businesses' websites. Order something from Island Seafoods to send to family? It counts! Need a part from Kodiak Marine Supply? It counts! Buy a coffee from Harborside Coffee & Goods? It counts. Get takeout from Henry's? It counts. Etc, etc.

Small Business Bingo

How are you supporting our local businesses during this uncertain time?

The Chamber has some great ideas for you!

Let's play Bingo! Have fun and stay safe!

Complete* one row, horizontally, vertically or diagonally and you will

receive a copy of Kodiak - Alaska's Emerald Isle.

For every card you complete* in its entirety, you will receive 50% one 2020 Crab Fest piece of merchandise. *Proof of purchase for all monetary items. Limit 2 per household.Redeemable at the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce starting April 15 or otherwise noted.

ComFish Alaska is Rescheduled

"Sea What Matters" ComFish Alaska 2020

September 17th-19th

ComFishAK.com is now updated with new dates and exhibitor information! Naturally, we'll see some changes between now and September, but we're excited to continue offering an excellent show connecting the fisheries community! You can now register to attend in September and be entered to win special prizes for preregistering! Be sure to check the list of exhibitors that will be attending and stay up to date on the schedule of events as they change! Get all the information you'll need to make the week

of ComFish great!

March Business After Hours - The Islander Bookshop

The Chamber would like to thank, The Islander Bookshop for hosting March's Business After Hours. Over 45 attendees joined, winning bookshop gift cards, Crab Fest gear and much more. The Chamber raised $73 in Split-The-Pot funds, which goes toward the $1,000 Scholarship given to a student in Kodiak. It was a fun evening of shopping, networking, and tasting the delicious charcuterie board provided by the Islander Bookshop!

Keep your eyes out for the next Business After Hours.

KEA Membership Meeting Postponed

Election to Proceed as Scheduled

Please be aware that KEA continues to closely monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) challenge and wants to assure you that we have been and continue to be taking measures to protect the health and safety of our members and employees.

The KEA Board of Directors held their monthly regular meeting on March 26 by teleconference and took action to postpone the 2020 KEA Annual Membership Meeting from April 20, 2020 to a future date to be determined, with the exception that the 2020 balloting, election dates and processes will remain as scheduled.

The voting packets for the election of the three seats up for election on the KEA Board of Directors and the two propositions to revise and update the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation were mailed to all members on March 26. All members are encouraged to vote and mail their ballots in the pre-addressed postage-paid ballot envelope included in the voting packet. The last pick up of envelopes will be on April 17 at the Kodiak Post Office. The results of the election will be communicated to KEA members after the Balloting Committee tabulates the ballots on April 20.

KEA appreciates your understanding and your help in protecting our community, and we urge everyone to follow evolving CDC and public health officials’ guidance.

Productive Procrastination

Some Good News:

John Krasinski highlights some good news from around the world, including an interview with Steve Carell to mark the 15th anniversary of THE OFFICE, as well as John’s newest hero Coco. #somegoodnews