Member Brief Bytes
COVID UPDATES

Today is the day to tune in to Governor Walz's press conference. Rumor has it today he will make the announcement as to whether he is extending the stay at home order and if any other businesses will be allowed to open. Usually it is at 2:00 but today you will hear the latest at 6:00 p.m.

The Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 situation update for today reports 12,494 positive COVID-19 cases, an increase of 695 cases from yesterday. Currently, 496 cases require hospitalization (an increase of 44 from yesterday) and of those cases, 199 people are in the ICU (an increase of one from yesterday).  A total of 614 Minnesotans have passed away from the COVID-19 virus, yesterday 23 Minnesotans died from the virus. Yesterday, 5,053 COVID-19 diagnostic tests were conducted which hits the 5,000 test-a-day goal that Governor Walz and state health leaders have been aiming to reach. The Commissioner continues to urge anyone with COVID-19 symptoms to seek a test. 

Happy to announce that our care centers here in Buffalo are still COVID free! What a great job to all the staff for managing this over last few months! Your efforts continue to pay off!

Allina now has the tent up at the Crossroads location for curbside testing. Symptomatic individuals seeking a test need to schedule an appointment by calling their clinic or visiting AllinaHealth.org.


Buffalo Businesses
Operational Status During COVID-19

The list of business offerings and hours is changing daily. Please check our website for the most recent update by clicking below:

Also please be sure to notify us if you are re-opening in some capacity so we can keep this updated for the duration.

WHO'S THAT MEMBER BUSINESS/BUILDING?
WHO'S THAT MEMBER BUILDING

Used to be a noisy place - the hallways full. A little quiet now.

Last weeks winner was Judy Maznio with CorTrust Bank. They have been busy helping small businesses with Paycheck Protection Loans. With this second round of monies, you need not be a member to complete an application through them. See Shaun Corbin - he would be happy to help you out! Call 763-682-0555.

Email me at [email protected] if you think you have the right answer! First one in gets put in a quarterly drawing for $10 of Buffalo Bucks!
Chamber Events
GOOD AFTERNOON BUFFALO
TOMORROW Thursday, May 14th
4:30 p.m.

ZOOM link below

It's been way too long since we've seen each other so let's get together tomorrow for a virtual happy hour/Good Afternoon Buffalo!

No real topic - but a great way to check in and see how everyone is fairing during this time. It can be an opportunity to show our support for each other in our business community.

h ttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84602620807?pwd=V2h2NGx0ZzQrM1pxODdBeVJaWGlTZz09
Now What? How Do We Bounce Back From THIS? 
Hosted by: Kelly Baltzell of Positive Based Marketing

If you missed last week's training - be sure to register for this one!
We only have 11 people registered - would love to fill the Zoom house!

THIS Tuesday, May 19th
11:30 to 12:30
Online ZOOM (Link will be sent after registration)

No one ever expected to have to run a business through a pandemic. We are writing the textbook as we go. Every day is a learning curve. As we adjust to this new normal of changing rules, with lifestyles and comfort levels we never imagined, what do we do now? How do we adjust to our current normal and plan for the future? What are some concrete things we can do now to help our business today, tomorrow, and months down the road? Come to this online webinar to learn: 

  • Key pieces of your digital business to make sure are correct and up-to-date. 
  • How to reach current and potential clients in the “new normal.”
  • Where to market depending on your demographic and suggested spending budgets.

Register here:

Google has its own stimulus program to help businesses effected by COVID-19!
VIRTUAL ACADEMIC RECOGNITION

Though the Academic Luncheon, which would have been yesterday, could not happen, our member businesses stepped up and "sponsored" a senior student to show that we applaud their accomplishments and recognize their future endeavors.

Below see the video that was put together by junior student Alayna Russell, to show our Presidential Award winning (cumulative GPA of 3.67+) students that the Chamber business members support them! Well done to all!

Take a look at the video proudly displaying your business name/logo - it's about 8 minutes long - so have an afternoon cup of coffee and enjoy!

CHAMBER ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT POSTPONED

Thursday, August 23rd
Wild Marsh Golf Course

Though you are now able to golf, tournaments are still in question. We want you to have the best experience with our annual tournament and want to raise as much monies as we can for scholarships, so the golf committee voted to move the tournament to Thursday, August 23rd. We are thankful to our sponsors who have been agile and moved along with us to that date!!

More details will come closer to the event!
GOOD TO KNOW
ERIK THURWANGER OFFERS UP TRAINING WEBINARS FOR FREE

We have had the pleasure of having Erik provide our Chamber family with some leadership and sales training. He is simply great! He is offering up some training webinars for free at this time - to help businesses get through the chaos. Click the link below and see what might be a good fit for you as you work through the year!

MEMBER HAPPENINGS
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT SMALL - SUPPORT LOCAL!
Both Jasons are adding more to their logo'd offerings! Hats for the Here For Good campaign
through A Plus Performance/763-390-5645, and hoodies for the support local campaign with
J&J Athletics/763-684-4877!
Wild Marsh Bar & Grill Temporarily Closing

It saddens me to share this, and my hopes are that it will re-open to the public when it can, as it is the most beautiful place to enjoy lunch or dinner - no better view!

"We are sad to say our restaurant will be temporarily closed due to COVID-19 and related challenges. We have discontinued our curbside to-go menu. Snacks, sandwiches, beverages are still available for golfers to purchase through the golf shop. We also plan to serve hot dogs, burgers, etc. from the outdoor grill on weather appropriate days. Thanks to all our staff for their hard work and dedication and customers for your support!"

Do get out and play a round of golf! The course is in great shape. Tee times are booked online and everything is contact free.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW
Quick-link to the recent City of Buffalo public meetings:

Did you know yesterday was Minnesota Statehood Day – the 162nd birthday of our state . Every year on this date, the large chandelier in the Capitol rotunda – known as the electrolier, is lit to honor the day. This year, only a few legislators and staff are in the building but it has been lit for those who are there to enjoy.
Be sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce
763-682-4902
STAY CONNECTED