April 2020 CBM

APRIL 2020

- The COVID-19 Issue HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE COVID-19 What will recovery look like?

6 Community Over COVID-19 How our community comes together in crisis.

COVID-19 Legislation Resources available to help keep your business afloat.

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14 Help 4 Hope Support for our community.

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FEATURED COVID-19 Your Chamber working handin-hand with our community

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HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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C VID-19

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber has been working hard on your behalf during the COVID-19 challenge: • Weekly Community COVID-19 calls with leadership at local, state and federal level including Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, DHEC officials, the U.S. Chamber plus local leaders. In partnership with the Beaufort County channel, over 20,000 residents are tuning in each week.

• Our staff members have personally called and reached out to each of our 1,600 members to find out how they’re doing, relay important information and offered assistance in understanding the new legislation coming out of Washington.

• Launched our Takeout Blitz campaign to support our local restaurant community and encourage business when they need it most.

The page has garnered over 20,280 views and is a driver to our restaurants for business.

• Hosted a teleconference for the business community on how to market and communicate effectively during and after COVID featuring national experts from VERB Interactive and from Weber Shandwick Worldwide, both leaders in their fields for crisis communication and marketing.

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• We have opened up our information and services to all businesses, whether they’re members or non-members. We’re all in this together.

• Hosted a teleconference for our local nonprofits on what they need to know about he CARES Act out of Washington and how they can take advantage of the new legislation to stay afloat in tough times.

• Hosting a Chamber Town Hall with the SBA and SCORE that takes a deeper drive into what’s available and how to access the funds just released.

• We’re on Zoom calls multiple times each week to share information.

• Answering hundreds of calls from the public and from visitors regarding their canceled reservations, when they can return, what’s happening on the island and factual information related to the Governor’s Executive Orders.

• Providing real-time COVID-19 information on our landing page on both hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org and the destination website at hiltonheadisland.org.

• Have a destination marketing plan in place to deploy when the time is right to drive tourism business back to our community.

• Utilizing and sharing on social media as well as email communication to keep you in the know. In the last month, we’ve pushed out over 225 Facebook posts, over 300 Instagram stories and 70 posts, and sent numerous emails to our members to keep them informed on the latest news.

• Launched our Blue Ribbon Campaign in support of our local healthcare workers and first responders. Trees in front of the chamber are tied in blue ribbons of support and other businesses and residential communities are following suit and posting their images of homes and businesses with blue ribbons on our social channels as well.

• Launched the Help4Hope campaign in partnership with the Watterson Family Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. It’s an economic stimulus plan designed to support our local restaurants as well as the numerous laid-off in the workforce with meals to go for their families, not just during the crisis, but during our ramp up to recovery as well.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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THE BIG PICTURE.

What Will Recovery Look Like?

With government officials imposing an everincreasing number of mandates to slow the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. tourism industry is facing a devastating loss of business – far worse than it experienced after 9/11. But once the pandemic eases, tourism will once again resume.

A number of hotels across the country are preparing to shut down as travel in the U.S. comes to a screeching halt. The latest figures for the period from March 22-28 showed hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. dropped 67.5 percent with South Carolina experiencing a 65.2 percent decline.

Based on the latest data, the U.S. Travel Association expects spending on travel, including accommodations, transportation, attractions, retail and restaurants, to plunge by $400 billion in 2020 – a 34 percent decline for the year.

In South Carolina, where tourism has a $24 billion impact on the state economy, the year started off with a bang. Hotel occupancy rates in January and February were up 7 percent over last year. Now state officials are predicting hotel revenue will 6

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decrease 51 percent for the year due in part to the pandemic occurring during the peak season and hotels having to lower rates by some 40 percent.

It typically takes 12-16 months to regain ground following a disease-related crisis.

Oxford Economics suggests it can be shortened through strategic promotions and support of the travel industry.

In South Carolina, tourism officials are currently working on a recovery plan that will target television, digital and social media advertising to its drive market in the hopes of getting four or five days ahead of other states once travel bans are lifted.

Lower gas prices will help, too. But it’s the pent-up desire to get away that may provide the greatest boost to South Carolina tourism.

“When this is over, people will be ready to travel again,” said Director of South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Duane Parrish. “It will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”

HILTON HEAD ISLAND-BLUFFTON PLAN The destination recovery plan is ready to roll when the time is right and will cover both leisure and corporate/ group travel in a multi-phase marketing and communications plan that supports the Hilton Head Island area during and after the pandemic. We will use our strongest channels to push our message that ensures the handshake with our community partners. These touch points are: • Paid Media • Organic Social/ Blog • Email

• HiltonHeadIsland.org • Corporate Partners • Public Relations

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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When the time is right...

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How you can take advantage of

C VID-19 LEGISLATION Here is an overview of the resources available to you to help keep your business afloat: CARES Acts:

Click here for a comprehensive summary from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce • Payroll Protection: $350 billion was made available to the Small Business Administration for emergency loans to small businesses. These loans could be forgiven if they are used for maintaining payroll, rent, and utilities. Read more here.

• Economic Injury Loans: Emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

• Unemployment: Benefits for unemployment were expanded, so more employees can be eligible, and can get more benefits. Click here for more.

• Expanded paid sick leave and FMLA. • Student Loans: Through September 2020, student loan payments, interest and principal are deferred.

• Checks for individuals (making up to $75,000/year) and couples (making up to $150,000/year).

Families First Coronavirus Response Act • Paid Family Leave: Businesses are required to offer paid sick leave.

SBA Loans: • Low-interest loans are available for businesses. Read more here.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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Assistance Is Out There www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org/covid-19

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help4hope The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and the Watterson Family Foundation have partnered with a team of local leaders to support our community’s families and food-service businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

This initiative will create a stimulus program in hopes of stabilizing our community’s economy. The mission is three-fold: • Help feed families in all industries affected by this crisis • Support local restaurants by generating new business

“People here truly care about their neighbors,” said Billy Watterson, founder of the Watterson Family Foundation and Burnt Church Distillery. “This nationwide pandemic has been a crisis like none other. With the Help4Hope initiative, we are giving the community the opportunity to feed a neighbor, invest in the community and impact their economy all from the safety of their homes. I’ve always believed that when we focus our energy on the solution and not the problem, we’re able to overcome our fears, mobilize our efforts and make a difference.”

• Save jobs in the food-service industry

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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“Help 4 Hope” creates a common currency called a community investment card, which donors will fund and trusted community partners (Bluffton Self Help, Deep Well Project, Campbell Chapel AME Church among others) will distribute starting April 6 to those affected by this crisis, empowering them to deploy this capital back into participating restaurants of their choice for a family meal for four.

Participating restaurants will then turn over the redeemed cards to the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and be reimbursed $50 for each card used. Thus helping struggling families and local food-service businesses.

“Tourism is the cornerstone of our community, and this temporary interruption of COVID-19 is affecting those who are on the frontlines of our economy,” said Bill Miles, the President & CEO of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. “The Help4Hope initiative is both a local economic stimulus and putting food on the tables of workers who are the most affected by the COVID-19 challenge.”

How to Donate

Want to support the Help4Hope campaign?

Donate at Help4HopeNow.Org, or purchase a card in-person at the chamber headquarters, Santa Fe Café, or the Watterson Family Foundation headquarters.

You can then give the card to someone you know who has a need.

Click Here to Invest By Donating

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HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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COMMUNITY over

C VID-19 In times of great uncertainty, there is at least one thing we can always count on: our community will come together.

Life has changed quickly and drastically in the Lowcountry with the onset of COVID-19. Each day brings a new challenge and our community rises to meet it.

Working with so many of your fantastic businesses means we have always known how capable and empowered you are when it comes to supporting our own.

Here we shine a light on those who eagerly stepped up when COVID-19 threw a wrench in our economic spokes.

Here are some that are stepping up to help the community and take care of their employees.

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Corner Perk

One of Bluffton’s most storied coffee shops is doing their part to keep you caffeinated while supporting their employees via the Perk Family Fund Foundation.

In exchange for a $100 donation, the “perks” include a $20 gift card, 20% off all food through June 30, their signature red coffee mug, and a bag of Birthday Blend coffee.

Hargray Communications

Hargray is offering 60 days of free internet to homes with school-aged children (who do not already have their service).

Hilton Head Social Bakery

Chef Philippe Feret from Hilton Head Social Bakery is giving away free baguettes from 11 a.m. to noon every Saturday and Sunday at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Grab one for a neighbor who may be homebound or another in need. He’s also collecting food for those in need.

Outside Hilton Head

The 40-year-old island institution is also offering a Community Strong Package: Club Outside. For $250, Club Outside members enjoy $100 gift card, 25% off all experiences, merchandise and group team and leadership development programs. Wondering where the other $150 of your investment goes? $100 supports the Outside Employee relief fund for team members who are out of work/experiencing a reduction. The other $50 will be donated to the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s Community COVID-19 Response Fund.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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Sea Pines Resort

The Sea Pines Resort and Heritage Classic Foundation are raising funds to help resort employees who are affected by the resort closure. The $250 Sea Pines Cares package includes a $100 resort gift card and 20% discount on resort dining, retail purchases, bike rentals, golf, tennis, recreation activities and rates at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town. Visit seapines.com/cares for details.

SERG Restaurant Group

SERG was among the first to vocalize the importance of supporting our vast food and beverage workforce, who have been especially hard-hit by the COVID-19 closures. They were also the first to offer a package to help support its workforce and others: Community Strong VIP Package.

For $250, VIPs enjoy 25% off all restaurant food purchases, 10% off the SERG take-out kitchen, 25% off all gifts and merchandise, and $100 gift card valid at any SERG location.

The remaining funds from each sale are used to support the community. $100 goes directly to SERG Group restaurant employees. The other $50 is split between Bluffton Self Help and the Deep Well Project.

United Way of the Lowcountry

Free guidance is always available through the United Way of the Lowcountry. Their trained specialists are available to residents in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

University of South Carolina - Beaufort (USCB) Student Relief Fund

USCB students are working while attending school - many in hospitality jobs that were especially hard-hit by the pandemic. More than half are first generation college students and Pell Grant eligible. Many do not have internet access or laptop computers at home, which they desperately need for online courses. The univeristy has set up a fund to help those students - learn more by clicking here.

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HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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How Can You Help?

Inspired by these businesses? There are many ways you can help from home. Patronizing your local businesses is the easiest way! Those who can are offering curbside pickup, online shopping and other options to help keep their doors open and your needs met.

If you have the means to support our community, here are three ways to do it:

Bluffton Self Help

Now more than ever, many families in our community rely on Bluffton Self Help to survive. For more than 30 years, BSH has provided free food, clothing and short-term financial assistance. No donation is too small: Click Here

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has set up its Lowcountry’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which will rapidly deploy resources to community-based frontline nonprofit organizations addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton counties. Click Here

Deep Well Project

From the food pantry to home repairs to emergency financial aid, the Deep Well Project has stepped up to offer extended support during COVID-19 to those in need. Learn about their programs and donate here.

Donate to Our Hospitals

Our local hospitals are in need of the following items. If you find them available for purchase (or if you have them on hand) please drop them at your local hospital.

• Surgical masks • N95 masks (medical grade, NIOSH certified, sizes large and small) • Examination gloves (sterile and unsterile, all sizes) • Protective glasses, goggles and shields • Isolation gowns • Thermometers (disposable strips or thermometers, or temporal infrared) • Homemade masks and face shields • You can even join the brand new group Masks4Heroes here!

• You can also buy meals for hospital staff by contacting a local restaurant to order and pay over the phone. They will deliver the meals right to the hospital.

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Welcome

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

NEW MEMBERS & ANNIVERSARIES

NEW MEMBERS Airemos Corp.

Century 21 Diamond Realty

Island Life HH LLC

Alfred’s Restaurant

ee Incentives

Optim Orthopedics

Audio Video Solutions LLC

Hair Designs by Linda

Shoreline Commercial

Beverly Serral Inc.

Hilton Head Capital Partners LLC

Chicken Salad Chick

Bluffton Bronze

ANNIVERSARIES 30+ YEARS

10-14 YEARS

1-3 YEARS

Drifter Excursions, Inc.

A Taste of Hilton Head

Always Angling Charters Ann Lilly

20-29 YEARS

Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Conduent State & Local Solutions, Inc. D/B/A Xerox State & Local Solutions, Inc.

Collins Group Realty Bluffton

Departure Media

Crane’s Tavern & Steakhouse Restaurant

Southeast Funding Group, LLC

Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors

St. Francis Catholic School

Signature Real Estate Group

United Community Bank

Sperry Tents Southeast

Village Cove Assisted Living

World Financial Group

Indigo Pines

Armor Building Solutions

Sunset Rentals, Inc.

Bluffton Family Seafood House

15-19 YEARS

Bluffton Oyster Company

Collins Group Realty Hilton Head

Charbar Co. Dixon Schwabl

Crescent Moon Pictures, Inc.

Hilton Head Island Realty Plus

H2 Builders Hilton Head Hospitality, LLC

Palmetto Dunes POA

Palmetto Exterminators, Inc.

Stoneworks, Inc.

River Dog Brewing Co.

Absolute Island Management

J.K. Tiller Associates, Inc.

Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC)

Patrick J. Murphy, ESQ.

4-9 YEARS

Island Cove at Hilton Head

Sea Pines Country Club

MidiCi Italian Kitchen

Georgia Tech Savannah

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry

Coastal Provisions

Taylor’s Quality Landscape Supply

Thank you

SVN Commercial Real Estate WTOC-TV

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | APRIL 2020

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BVA

@HHIBCHAMBER HILTONHEADBLUFFTONCHAMBER.ORG 1 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DRIVE | HILTON HEAD ISLAND | 843.785.3673 216 BLUFFTON ROAD | BLUFFTON | 843.757.3673

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