Focus on Manatee | Businesses ready to ignite economy after COVID-19. Here are some ways Chamber is helping
As our state settles into Phase 2 of the Governor’s “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step.” Plan, businesses are approaching re-opening guidelines with determination and plenty of due diligence. A critical aspect of a successful, sustained reopening of our economy also rests with a similar, and necessary, determination and due diligence by consumers. I urge everyone to follow CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines as you move back out into the community and give your support to local businesses. They need your patronage — and they need your help to ensure a safe environment for all.
Phase 2 provides the ability for more employees to return to work. This is another important step in fully engaging the power of local businesses to reignite our economy. While the unemployment numbers are staggering, we are also seeing bright spots.
Over the past two weeks, almost 50 positions were added to JobFocus.com, the local job search website maintained by the Manatee Chamber. If your company is hiring, you can post your open positions on the site for free. CareerSource Suncoast has funding to enable residents to be retrained for targeted industries and positions as well as opportunities for job seekers to access free coaching to help them hone their job search skills.
Manatee County has been collecting feedback from local businesses on what additional assistance and resources are needed to help them weather this crisis. These ideas will help county leaders address gaps and will also inform the Manatee Chamber’s work.
The Chamber continues to add more online webinars to provide valuable information and help businesses and their employees adapt to new business situations. A great example is the webinar the Chamber is hosting on Tuesday to help businesses navigate the requirements of the federal PPP and EIDL loans so that those that received these loans can take advantage of the forgivable grant portions and remain compliant with applicable requirements. It is a really important topic as regulations have changed recently with Congress providing additional flexibility in how and when these funds are used.
Information is powerfully important and the RecoverManatee.com website is designed to provide links to accurate, official information to assist companies and individuals. This new website has a wealth of information to address economic stabilization and assistance programs, health and safety guidelines for workplaces, and expert advice on short- and long-term strategies for business growth and resiliency. It is designed to be streamlined and easy to navigate. We would love to hear from you about how we can enhance the site to assist an even wider, diverse business and employee base.
The past three months of the COVID-19 crisis have been unlike anything most of us have experienced. Throughout this pandemic, business leaders have worked tirelessly to plan, protect, pivot, and innovate. Our deepest gratitude continues to go out to our heroes in fields like healthcare, public safety, education, food supply chain, public works, and the tens of thousands of workers in essential industries and beyond.
The Manatee Chamber has had the privilege of convening leaders to strengthen businesses and our community for more than 130 years. These partnerships are key to ensuring the success of our region’s recovery and resiliency. Together we are stronger. #ManateeStrong
Jacki Dezelski is president and CEO of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.