LoveLocal: How to help businesses during COVID-19

Stay calm and be kind.
Really that’s the best advice you got, Chamber?
Yep. We’ve done our homework and experts agree that simple public health measures are the best thing for the general public to do during the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19). In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website offers several tips like avoiding nonessential travel, 20 second hand-washing, as well as how to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

​For those of you wondering about the being kind part… Our goal as a Chamber is to provide leadership and resources to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of our members and the community.
We want to inspire compassion – aka spread kindness – to the family hunkering down for a staycation, to employees who don’t have the option to work remotely, to business owners who depend on a steady flow of customers to make a living, to students missing out on valuable instruction time, to people stuck away from home and facing travel obstacles, to athletes unable to compete in the sport they love, to your elderly neighbor who lives alone.

We’re all in this together.
And honestly, we do not need to stockpile 8 packages of toilet paper (no disrespect if you feel differently). For everyone involved in this, we want to provide some thought-provoking alternatives to the whole "panic" thing.

• Buy gift cards now and use them later.
• Buy items for future pick up.
• Keep your memberships current – most places rely on your dues to operate.
• If you know a business owner, ask how you can help them during this time.
• Get social – online that is, of course. Engaging businesses on the major social media platforms is free and reviews are gold to businesses. Take some time to share your favorite products, services, businesses!
• Offer delivery services to local seniors or those that are more at risk to save them from having to leave the house.
• Order takeout from your local restaurant… most of them deliver!
• Got little ones? Encourage them to play the Pocket Game! Keep little hands in pockets while out and about to protect children from germs. Be sure to reward your child for good behavior and winning by keeping their hands to themselves out in public! 
• If an event you purchased tickets to was cancelled, don’t ask for a refund. Consider the cost a donation.
• Do you have a question for your bank? Chamber? Friend? Avoid taking a trip out by making a phone call or sending an email. Technology for the win!

If you're a business owner, consider the following:

• Utilize down time to review your Emergency Response Plans. The SBA has some great resources. 
• Review and update cleaning procedures if necessary and let your customers know the extra precautions you are taking to keep your employees healthy and customers satisfied!  
• Promote your online store. Can you create a raffle for online orders and give a prize away later? Or coupons and discounts help encourage more purchases!
• Coordinate virtual meetings with professionals. Consider Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Skype to keep your team informed and safe. 

Let's do the best we can and be good humans during this difficult time. Stay calm and be kind.
What advice do you have? We’d love to hear from you? If you share you're best tips not already on our list, we may feature your idea on our social media!
 
#WeAreInItTogether