The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) is offering business resources specifically for Southwest Washington companies to understand the best practices for business as COVID-19 pandemic continues. Along with employer-specific information, the Chamber has cultivated lists for consumers to support local efforts across the Southwest Washington business community.
Along with resource pages for the COVID-19 recommendations, the Chamber has produced a multitude of resources refined for employers in the area and consumers. As updates are announced daily about the pandemic, the Chamber is taking every precaution to move to exclusively web-based content. For the time-being, the Chamber will be working with its members to create content-specific webinars in place of workshops and social gatherings. More information to come on the dates of these programs.
The Chamber’s Blog, updated daily, offers information for employers and employees on best practices in the workplace as well as details on how to support local businesses. The Chamber has also cultivated a list of member restaurants and shops that are now offering delivery or takeout for the community.
With the phrases #SupportLocal and #RiseUpVancouver used on a variety of social media platforms, the Chamber joins many stakeholders in the community to encourage consistent support of the businesses who may have had to close their doors due to recent mandates. John McDonagh, president/CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce adds, “Convening businesses is one of the things the Greater Vancouver Chamber is known for. During this unprecedented time we will continue to convene businesses but in a virtual way and in a way that supports the local economy to get us all through this challenging time. We look forward to supplying pertinent and updated information to the Southwest Washington community to educate everyone on how we can work together to keep our Vancouver businesses strong.”
With regard to the recommendations from Gov. Jay Inslee, the Chamber has put forth precautions in order to protect the staff and public from additional exposures. The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce enacted the following protocol for the organization:
- All events outside of the Chamber office will be postponed. Please review the Chamber Events Calendar for date changes. For instance Chamber programs including Leads & Needs, Battle Ground Luncheons, Ribbon Cuttings, Women In Leadership: Executive Women’s Council, and in-person Mind Your Business Workshops have been postponed until further notice.
- Chamber committee meetings will be moved to conference calls.
- The Chamber’s Downtown Vancouver office will remain open by appointment only. Doors to the office will be locked with a sign informing foot traffic of the situation.
- Certificates of Origin are now available for approval electronically.
