By Scott Cook
March 12, 2020
Dear Chamber Members and Community,
The Chamber’s Executive Committee and CEO met this morning to review and plan the Chamber’s response to COVID-19. There is a lot of news out there and the Chamber is looking at information from credible resources to guide our decisions. We are monitoring county, state and federal health agencies daily. We are also fortunate to have information from our various partnerships which include neighboring Chambers of Commerce, state Chambers and Chambers across the country, as well as fellow Advance Longmont partners. Much of the information we have read includes warnings on socializing with large groups, contact with others etc. The Chamber is a social organization at its core and for the sake of our members and the community we will heed these precautions carefully.
What this means:
All Chamber events, programs and committee meetings with 20+ in normal attendance are suspended, cancelled or postponed at this time. This includes events such as Let’s Be Blunt (March 21), After Hours at Georgia Boys BBQ (March 23) and Longmont Restaurant Week (April 17-26). This also includes Ambassador, Public Policy, Education, Chamber Student Network, Leadership Longmont and most Nexus committee meetings. Chamber staff is currently updating the calendar noting each event that will be suspended. At this time, we do not have an exact date when Chamber events and meetings will resume.
What we are doing:
- Longmont is a resilient community. Together, we are going to face this challenge. Chamber events are suspended at this time, but that doesn’t mean Chamber work stops. Business is open. The Chamber is open. We invite members and the community to stop by or call with their questions; we’re here ready to connect you at this important time to a variety of business and community resources. The Chamber building is open normal hours, M-F 8:30am-5pm.
- The Chamber Executive Committee and CEO will have regular conference calls to review our local, state and federal agency requests and restrictions for public and social gatherings. Chamber activities will resume as soon as we know it is the responsible action.
- Premier Events: Chamber staff is working with Let’s Be Blunt and Restaurant Week sponsors, participants and exhibitors to reschedule these premier events for later dates this year. We still plan to have these events and hope you will join us for them. New dates will be announced soon.
- We plan to get creative during this time! Chamber staff is already thinking of ideas for how members can engage with the Chamber and Longmont businesses.
- The Chamber is working with its partner, The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to find out more on possible government financial resources for businesses. We will also send out communication on help for hourly wage earners when specific information becomes available.
Our actions may seem too proactive at this time. However, again, social interaction is at the core of Chamber activity. This decision was not made lightly and we kept a number of points in mind: the Chamber works with a diverse population, some of which will be more vulnerable to COVID-19. The Chamber works with and relies on a variety of partners across the community to host our events. Some of these partners have made similar decisions or have communicated to us that they will soon. Our healthcare members have confirmed this is the right decision for the community.
Below, we have included links to helpful resources to help keep you informed on the situation.
Thank you,
Chris McGilvray
Chair, Board of Directors
Scott Cook
CEO
Local
- Boulder County: Disease Prevention, COVID-19
- UCHealth: Recent Updates
- Centura Health: Information about Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Colorado Department of Health and Environment
For Businesses
- US Department of Labor: Safety and Health, COVID-19
- CDC: Interim Guidance for Business and Employers
- WHO: Key Planning Recommendations for Mass Gatherings
Reputable Resources (frequently updated)
Click the above badge to go to the Center for Disease Control website.
Help Prevent the Spread of Disease in Longmont:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Practice respiratory etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Wash your hands after sneezing.
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.