Hello ,
It is safe to say we are going through some challenges right now.
We have a lot to cover in this email, so I will get right to the point.
1. There will be
NO in-person meeting at Village Hall. We will however be using the Zoom app to conduct a virtual meeting. Please download the app on your device. You can search your device app store or visit
https://zoom.us/
I will be confirming when we will be conducting this meeting with links to join the meeting via email.
2. We need each other more than ever. As far a sharing information on how we get through these challenging times,
we will be starting a Slack group chat (please Google slack if you don't know what it is). This will allow us to communicate with each other directly and as a group. I will be sending invitations via email to everyone. I encourage everyone to embrace this technology. This is how we stay connected during this unique challenge.
3. I think it is safe to say that we are moving past simply using hand sanitizer and wiping down surfaces to continue running our businesses. I think it is also smart to assume that this is going to be longer than a 3 week challenge. We are being pushed to reinvent the way we serve our customers.
Examples:
- My Music Academy and other education/consulting businesses are moving to 100% virtual video sessions.
- Fitness professionals are shifting to virtual sessions and on demand membership sites.
- Food service is moving to delivery, pick up, and prepared meals.
- Realtors are doing virtual tours and pre-recorded content to show houses.
- Retail is having to increase their online game BIG TIME.
We need to learn from each other and use each other as resources to implement these concepts quickly. The chamber wants to be an educational resource for making these transitions. Which is another great reason to join the Chamber Slack Message group since we will be sharing resources on that platform.
We also have to
market and promote these innovations and changes with our business with the community. It is odd to think about marketing now, but we need to let the community know we are still serving them and how we are doing it safely. The chamber can help, but each business may have to step up their independent marketing game a bit. We shall be educating on Slack about subjects relating to marketing and promotion. LET THE CHAMBER HELP BY USING THE THE MEMBERS AREA
TO PROMOTE YOUR NEW WAYS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
https://www.clarendonhillschamber.com/promote-your-business
4. I am in touch with the Village about resources that we can use to get through this. Some of this may be in the form of grants. One thing you can do now is document your losses with pictures, video, and other documentation. Take pictures of food that is being thrown out and other losses. You may have to prove it later. More to come as government agencies roll out programs.
5. It would not hurt to start having conversations with landlords. I'm not sure how those conversations will go, but hopefully you can find a way to work out something to get some relief if you need it.
That's all for now. Stay healthy,
