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July 30, 2020 — Bradford Publishing Company
Bradford Publishing Company — July 30, 2020
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July 30, 2020 — Bradford Publishing Company
BRADFORD CHAMBER PROVIDES EDUCATION, SUPPORT DURING COVID-19 By JOELLEN WANKEL The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce long has been a resource for local businesses, and the coronavirus pandemic simply shifted their focus to providing assistance and clarification during a time of confusion and uncertainty. “The biggest role we have taken in helping businesses during the pandemic is providing information. The information varies from education on state mandates to education on how to protect employees and customers, to education on grants and loans available,” said Heidi Scrivo Passmore, executive director of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. “We provide this education via our weekly E-Newsletter, our monthly newsletter, personal emails, phone calls and office visits.” One aspect of education is the availability of financial assistance during such an uncertain time for small businesses. “There are many grant and loan programs coming out as a result of the CARE program. These programs typically have a short window for application,” Passmore said. “That is because they want to get the money out quickly. Weekly we are updating our members on new opportunities and providing links to the application. “Our last newsletter had a list of programs and websites in a simplified manner. I would advise business owners to look at each of these
opportunities seriously. They are keeping the applications simple and at times our area qualifies for preference status.” In addition to the educational aspect of the Chamber’s efforts, creative efforts to inspire hope have also been a focus. Passmore explained the biggest program the Chamber took on was the Get Informed, Get Fed Lunch Program. “We started this program in response to shutting down businesses. We wanted to help the restaurants and the smaller businesses in town. Twice per week members could win Lunch for 10 and a 25 BACC Gift Certificate (which can only be used at local member businesses). Then people in the community asked if they could donate money so we could do it three times per week,” she said. The program offered 29 lunches valued at approximately $4,000. Over the course of the program, $825 worth of Chamber Gift Certificates were given away. “This was a very helpful program. Not only did the program support our local businesses but we saw a tremendous level of support from our community. That is what gave us the idea for our current program, #BradfordStrong,” Passmore noted. The #BradfordStrong program is intended to remind businesses that there will be an end to the current struggle. “The pandemic has continued for
longer than any of us anticipated. The longer it goes on, the more it wears us down. This is part of the role of the #BradfordStrong campaign,” Passmore said. “This is a campaign to remind our businesses that we are strong, we have gotten through other big hurdles and we will do it again. Now is a time we all need to pull together. And that is something this community knows how to do very well. #BradfordStrong is a way to remind our business community and residents to stay positive.” Passmore explained the Chamber will also be starting a community group focused on #BradfordStrong. There have also been a number of helpful free webinars. These webinars provide education on topics such as how to use technology and social media to promote your business. There is also a big push to look at the fractured supply chain. This is a great opportunity to bring the supply chain of materials back to the United States. The Chamber held a webinar May 6 called “Getting to the Other Side of COVID-19.” The webinar provided
information helpful for businesses reopening and education on grants and loans that were available. That webinar was recorded as well and made available to Chamber Members who couldn’t participate live. The Chamber also has plans to start more educational webinars related to programs and grants available. “We are so thankful for a grant we received providing us with the technology to hold these events. That technology should be installed in the next month here at the BACC offices. All programs will be recorded and available to members,” Passmore said. As a final note, Passmore pointed out the PPP loan was extended and is still available. She explained that other good resources include the PA 30 Day Fund (https://pa30dayfund. com/) and the Clarion University Small Business Development Center (https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/ or 393-2060). “It is always worth calling to see if they can offer your assistance. They are such a helpful resource for businesses,” she said.
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