SUPPORTING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

​With the COVID-19 Pandemic continuing to evolve rapidly, we are continuing to follow the guidelines put out by our county, state, and federal officials. We know there will be a significant economic strain on our business community in the coming weeks and months.

As a champion for our local businesses, we want to assure our community that local businesses are working hard to keep our community safe while continuing to do business. We always want to put the health and safety of our community members first and advise everyone to follow guidelines of public health officials. While visiting local businesses in person may not be an option, there are still ways you can continue to shop local and support the business community during this challenging time.

Shop local first
Our local businesses often do not have the same resources that larger chains do when it comes to financial assistance and recovering from uncertain times like these. Whether you’re getting your morning coffee fix or stocking up on food and necessities, we encourage you to look to our locally owned and operated businesses first. 

Order takeout or delivery 
A large number of our local restaurants offer takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery options. Visit the Facebook group we created called North Utah County Take-out, Curbside, and Delivery Option during COVID-19, to see the latest information and what restaurants you can order from.

Stay subscribed
If you have an ongoing subscription at a gym, or with a stylist, or similar business, consider keeping it active – even if you’re not going to show up right now. If you are a business owner and rely on contracts with other businesses (like with your local cleaning company or beverage vendor) consider keeping those contracts in place as well, regardless of whether your business is operating or not (and assuming you are financially able to do so). Many of these small businesses rely on that regular cash flow to keep things open.

Business to business collaboration
If you are a local business owner, take this opportunity to collaborate with your local business community to see how you can help one another overcome challenges. One company may need to reduce staff or cut staff hours while another company may be looking to hire. Collaborating and understanding the unique challenges of different businesses will lead to solutions that benefit everyone.

Tip a little extra 
If you are financially able to do so, tip a little extra to the restaurants, salons, and other service industries you may visit. These service workers may not have the privilege of income security, and a little extra can go a long way.

Buy a gift card 
Unable to shop or dine-in right now? Buy a gift card from a local business to use later on. For those not wanting to visit in person, many businesses will offer to mail or email you the gift card upon request.

Donate
The COVID-19 outbreak will undoubtedly present new community challenges for our local non-profits to address. Now is a great time to donate to the causes and organizations you care most about.

Utilize social media/chamber marketing platforms
Social media can play a huge role in supporting the local community. Share specials or snap a photo of your favorite dish from local restaurants. Leave a review and share it after receiving great service from your local landscaper. Lead by example in encouraging your online network to support local businesses.

If you are a Chamber member business, we are happy to help promote you on our website and social media platforms. We’re encouraging all members to share updates with us, and we’ll do our best to get those out.

Practice compassion
In these times of uncertainty, it is important to remember that many people will be stressed and anxious. Be patient with one another, practice compassion, collaborate, and remember that by coming together as a community, we will get through this.

If the COVID-19 crisis has caused challenges for your business that you feel the Chamber can assist with, we’d love to hear from you. Please give us a call at (801)472-7467 or email us at chamber@afcity.net.