It has been 3 months since our community first began to face the changes resulting from COVID-19. When the outbreaks first began, Chamber staff called all 800+ members. We were fortunate to speak directly to most of you. Many were left messages when we could not make direct contact. We heard your stories, shared your tears and your laughs, and got to know you all a lot better.
Here at the Chamber we have felt your pain. Beginning April 1st we furloughed two employees and reduced wages of the other two. Our furloughed staff will be coming back July 1st, and we are excited to "get the band together again". For a while, all of us will be working reduced hours due to finances. As things improve, we'll be back to 100%.
Until then, we will be at the office 3 days per week (Tuesday-Thursday).
Despite all that, we want you to know
the Chamber has continued working on behalf of all our members. In the last 84 days, we have:
- Published 100+ announcements, updates, links to resources, legislative information, and helpful tips via our website, newsletters, BOSS Time interviews, social media, Deals from Members, and our outdoor display board.
- Attended dozens of webinars and video meetings to stay informed of how we can connect our members to vital resources related to PPP, EIDL, NC DES, and others.
- Attended video meetings with leaders from state and federal agencies, the NC Chamber of Commerce, and the National Manufacturers Association - not only to learn how they can help, but also to represent Randolph County so we remain on their radars.
- Published a "Back to Business" tool kit including information for reopening as well as window/counter flyers to help communicate your business' safety plan.
- Published information to our website with current updates related to services being provided by our members (accessed by more than 2,400 individuals).
- Published Student LIFT applications and the 4th Grade History Report packet that would normally be picked up at the Chamber office to the Chamber website (accessed by more than 1,100 individuals).
- The Chamber Facebook page grew by more than 500 new followers.
- We have had 9 new members join during this time.
And finally, thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our members! The out pour of support from you has meant the world to us. Continue to hang in there; we will all get through this together.
~ Linda Brown
