By DOROTHY HARDEE
In February, Sean Snaith spoke about an optimist outlook for 2020. The year began with what could be considered an optimistic beginning. The US economy was on stable footing going into the new year. Unemployment was at a 50-year low, giving consumers the confidence to continue to spend. According to Forbes, it was almost certain that the “bull” would breath its last breath sometime before 2030, but the stage was set for continued positive returns. All was right with the world.
Meanwhile on the other side of the world the World Health Organization (WHO) had been alerted to an unusual pneumonia brought on by an unknown virus. Within days the virus spread from several to 40, then 200 within a couple weeks. On January 23, WHO said the outbreak “did not yet constitute a public emergency of international concern and there was “no evidence” of the virus spreading between humans outside of China.” Fast forward two months, when WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, up until now when the United Nations chief warned the pandemic presents the world with its “worst crisis” since World War II. There is no need to repeat the number of cases growing in Florida and throughout the United States because the data consumes the airwaves and social media nonstop.
As I glanced through my Facebook feed, I came across the meme, “I’m done with the 90-day free trial of 2020…how do I cancel???” Our community adjusts to ever changing orders attempting to stay one step ahead of the virus. I can’t help but ask the universe if we can have a “do over,” cancelling the 90-day trial of 2020. Since that is not a realistic option, the East Orlando Chamber team has been working diligently behind the scenes to see how we can support the members and community as an advocate for East Orange County.
Given the trends across the globe, we anticipated the need to postpone events through the second week of May for the safety of our members.
Business still needed to move forward in this “new normal” requiring us to think outside the box to continue connecting businesses with the community. We have populated the calendar with important virtual events helping businesses understand the resources available to support them and their employees. Telehealth is the critical way for patients to see their provider, but not all providers offered the service. We collaborated with Insight Marketing Group showing healthcare professionals how to set up telehealth for their practice in 24 hours.
Small business is seeking financial support to continue moving forward. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Office of Small and Minority Business Capital was scheduled to dig into the questions our members had about the Bridge Loan and other funding resources available to keep them afloat.
We want you to be prepared to start doing businesses once the virus finally comes to an end. Companies will be looking for new clients and displaced employees will look for a new job. Member Chris Prouty is energizing those interested with a virtual workshop to show attendees “How to Create a LinkedIn Profile that Magnetizes Clients and Lands You That Job.”
We have also included a few lighthearted opportunities to help our followers take a break from the COVID-19 overload. We were “LIVE FROM EAST ORLANDO! With Coffee Club Live on Facebook answering those important questions like, “What is your favorite comfort food?” and “How many chickens would it take to eat an elephant?”
Your business is Our business and the East Orlando Chamber is here to help members promote deals, hours, press releases, job openings, webinars and more. We have shared the hours and menus of our member restaurants incorporating a Take-out, delivery and pick up section in our Chamber Directory to make it easy for guests to locate. To keep the networking, connecting and sharing of key information going, we created three Groups focusing on Small Business, Non-Profits and Restaurants.
We are reminding members or prospects that member benefits include an opportunity for MDLive Telehealth for just $14 a month with no deductible and no co-pay for employees and their households. For those concerned about membership renewals, we offer a payment options for most of our levels so you can continue investing in your business. Need to know more? Give us a call at 407-277-5951. We are working remotely, but always available by phone, email or by Go To Meeting.
Remember, we are in this together and the East Orlando Chamber is thinking differently for members. #EOCCCares.
Dorothy Hardee is the Chamber Administrator for East Orlando Chamber of Commerce
