It’s a commonly held belief that the biggest benefit one can get from a chamber of commerce is the opportunity to network. While we have occasionally pushed back on that notion with gentle reminders of our advocacy efforts and educational opportunities, networking has always been a need of our members, and our purpose as an organization is to provide businesses with what they need, when they need it.

The events of this year upended nearly all our expectations of those needs. Even so, I believe that our team reacted with agility and demonstrated a dynamism that is completely unique to the Longmont Chamber. In a matter of months and with just a few employees, we: 

• Began a rapid response outreach effort to identify specific business needs,
• Called every single member business to connect with you personally,
• Built and have maintained a resource repository with information on grants and loans, restrictions and guidelines, and where to locally source necessary pandemic response supplies, and
• Took on new initiatives to promote local businesses, such as our “Takeout Takeover” list of restaurants, in addition to adapting existing Longmont Chamber events to make them safe and accessible.

With our partners, we were able to accomplish even more:

• Clarified the CARES Act and supported businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program alongside the Boulder Small Business Development Center,
• Published a Needs Assessment survey with the Advance Longmont COVID-19 Business Response Team to better inform the actions of our coordinated response, and
• Advocated on your behalf for policies that would support vulnerable businesses, including increasing the flexibility of property taxes and supporting America’s Recovery Fund Coalition, as a part of the Northwest Chamber Alliance.

Our work is far from over, and many of the actions I’ve listed above are representative of ongoing efforts that we will continue. As a 501(c)6 organization, we have not been eligible for any grants or loans ourselves; everything we do to support local business is only made possible by you and your fellow members. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your continued support and faith in the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce.

One more thing: Jubilee, our annual membership celebration, is coming up on December 3rd. The event will be a virtual presentation, but that fact has only fueled the fire of our team to bring our members something special. In place of tickets, we will have boxes available to bring the celebration into your home. We hope this novel approach to a traditional gala will inspire you to celebrate the integrity, generosity, and resilience of our community while we must remain apart.

As the new year approaches, we anticipate what new challenges await us. Whatever adversity we face, the Longmont Chamber is ready to seek every opportunity to support your business. With our community, we will continue to stand strong, show courage, and persevere.

With gratitude,

Scott Cook and Chris McGilvray