While we recognize the concerns around the cases of COVID-19 growing in Oregon, we want to express enthusiastically that we will continue to support our local community business members. However, doing your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is also an important way to support our member businesses.
The World Health Organization and John’s Hopkins University are two sites that I’ve found that have helpful information. The Chamber website, mcminnville.org, also has links to the Yamhill County Health Department and OHSU’s website regarding the virus. Additionally, Oregon Health Authority has information here: www.oregon.gov/oha.
The Chamber will continue to remain open for business and when possible will engage in using conference calls for running meetings. We will continue to take the pulse of the community sometimes making the tough calls on whether to cancel certain events within the next 30 days.
Please check your Chamber emails for updates regarding our upcoming events.
There are federal funds being made available that can help businesses impacted by the virus. In order for Oregon to meet the threshold for federal assistance, we need to collect examples of the economic hardship you are experiencing. Please let me know via email (president@mcminnville.org) how this is impacting your business. I will collect the information and share it with Governor Brown’s Jobs and Economy Policy Advisor, Leah Horner.
The SBA has guidance for business and employers to plan and respond to COVID-19: https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19.
Our ability to remain calm and support each other through this emergency will help us rebound faster.
Please do contact us if we can be of assistance. We are in this together.
All the Best,
Gioia Goodrum
President/CEO
McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce
