Notice regarding Chamber Meetings & Events - March 16 - May 11

Lisa Peterson

Monday, March 16, 2020

Each day more and more information is coming forward regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as something other countries and other people are dealing with is now impacting our day-to-day.

Yesterday, the Center for Disease Control announced that all gatherings over 50 people or more should be canceled or postponed for the next 8 weeks.

So, what to do? We’ve decided that instead of crying “The Sky is Falling!” we’re going to get creative in finding solutions and alternatives to our normal services. The Chamber is in the business of bringing YOU, our members, business and we will continue to do so in any and all ways we are able to.

Because of the new CDC guidelines:
All in-person Chamber meetings and events are postponed/cancelled for the next 8 weeks (Until May 11) This includes:

All March Meetings & Events
All April Meetings & Events (Including Home & Garden Show, April 4)
May Meetings & Events up to May 11: My Pro Lunch, Be Local, Buy Local Committee & Girls Nite Out

Since we are postponing the Home & Garden Show, we have decided to host a VIRTUAL HOME & GARDEN SHOW until we are able find an alternate date. Each vendor will be featured on our website with their logo/photo, description of their business and link to their website. We will be showcasing vendor businesses on our social media pages throughout the month and working to push consumers to your individual websites. We know this isn’t the same as meeting with potential clients face-to-face but hope it can and will enhance traffic to your site and inquires for business. And who knows, we may choose to include this in our Home & Garden vendor package for many years to come! A letter has gone out to our vendors explaining in more detail what we will offer in lieu of the situation.

To further encourage local spending, we’ve created a Chamber Buck promotion: Purchase $100 in Chamber Bucks, and receive $10 free, up to $1000 ($100 free) cash/check or credit card. If needed, we can hold a check for up to 30 days – this option is not eligible for $10 in free bucks (Limit of $100 if holding check.)

We are busy exploring alternatives to our 2020 Luncheon Series, including hosting virtual presentations of the Dundas State of the City and Northfield State of the Economy. We are also working to find an alternative solution to hosting Girls Nite Out. Each of these events are important to our members and we want to make sure you are getting the information and promotions you’ve come to know and depend on.

I am also working with local city and state officials on finding small business relief packages. Stay tuned for more information as we get it.

The bottom line is, we want to support YOU. Do you have a current promotion that you want to get the word out to Chamber members and general public? Post a HOT DEAL on the Chamber website for FREE. Go to your member login page at: northfieldchamber.com/login

This isn’t easy. None of us could have imagined how this would progress. But I know that we are all stronger together and together we will get through this.

Let’s all keep a clear head, shop local and support each other.
We are One Community.

We’ve got this,

Lisa

Lisa Peterson | President
Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
19 Bridge Square, Northfield, MN 55057
507.645.5604 | 800.658.2548
#ThisIsNorthfield #
NorthfieldChamber.com |VisitNorthfield.org

The MN Chamber has a terrific webinar no available to help answer questions and offer best practices. https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/2711771013053631244

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 resource page – Daily updates on the number and nature of Coronavirus cases in Minnesota and best practices for citizens to remain safe and healthy.

Keeping workplaces safe and healthy

U.S. Chamber guide to healthy habits – Background on COVID-19 and best practices to stay healthy and deal with employee diagnosis.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates – Ongoing updates on the disease, how it is spread, where it exists and testing.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 health updates – Detailed updates on risk factors, symptoms, treatment.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guide for workplaces – Specific to federal standards for preventing spread in workplaces.

Accommodating employees

U.S. Chamber guide for employers – Outlines how to work with and communicate to employees, make a business continuity plan before and after employees become sick.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for business – Health and workplace details and suggestions for COVID-19 impacts on different types of businesses and employee activity.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) travel advisories – Ongoing updates on travel advisories within the United States and abroad.
Minnesota Council – Society of Human Resource Management (MNSHRM) – Resources for HR professionals (login required).

Understanding economic impacts

Quick take on Coronavirus’ economic impact – Summarizes how businesses have been impacted so far.
U.S. Chamber Foundation guide to corporate aid – A list of corporate entities who donated or changed business practices to help fight COVID-19 around the world.
Wall St. Journal guide to economic impacts – Summarizes data points to watch that will define economic impacts.