by Stevie Kearse, Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce
This is a unique time for all of us. We are collectively facing uncertainties whether at work or home, or maybe both. No one can really guide us through this or tell us what to expect or when to expect it. One thing that I do know is we are all in this together. No one is on an island alone. This isn’t affecting just one business, one person, or one city. It is impacting everyone… let that sink in for a second, EVERYONE.
I realize that some people are going to be impacted more than others but the one thing that unites us is that we are ALL dealing with some inconvenience and/or struggle. Everyone you know is going through something or struggling with something that was caused by COVID-19. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
This will come to an end and we will overcome.
There are several resources being provided to help businesses, employees, non-profits and families. These resources are ever changing, and the Rolla Chamber is striving to provide updated information to you as soon as we learn about it. These resources can be found at http://rollachamber.org/covid-19resources/. We also encourage you to reach out to your financial institutions and insurance providers. Express the situations that you are going through and see how they can help you.
This stressful time has forced all of us to change. Change the way we do business, the way we shop, the way we communicate with each other. It has forced us to think outside the box and honestly, not all change is bad! I have learned several things that I plan to continue when this is over, and I am sure several of you have as well. We have all been forced to think differently. Take your business/project/organization, flip it upside down and look at it sideways. And what came of that? A new way of doing business! As we have been faced with challenges, we came together and did something different. We didn’t give up on ourselves or each other.
Many restaurants that were exclusively dine-in have quickly converted their operations to curbside pickup. They’ve switched menu options, set up with food ordering apps and post daily specials on social media to reach their customers in new ways. Now customers can still enjoy their favorite foods while following CDC safety guidelines. Local retail shops have started selling online and via facebook sales with delivery or curbside pickup options. They have adapted their sales floors to filming studios and shipping areas. And businesses are finding new ways to communicate with the use of Zoom, an online virtual meeting room, and other technology focused resources. Meetings that were once held over a conference table are now being held on everyone’s living room sofas.
Just remember, that we all care about the future of our community. We all do our best to support each other during this time and we will all be here to support each other when this is over.
#rollastrong
#strongertogether
