2020 - 2021
Page 31
OYSTER BAY GUIDE
GreeTinGs from The
oysTer Bay-easT norwich chamBer
T
he coronavirus pandemic, mandating temporary closures in the spring and reducing occupancy throughout summer, created an ongoing financial struggle for small businesses. The Oyster Bay–East Norwich Chamber of Commerce responded to the crisis by becoming a central source of information for the community. All businesses and the many non-profit organizations submitted their operating hours (if Ryan Schlotter they were open) and the resources available to residents. Although the chamber is a member organization, the Board of Directors extended this offer to all businesses, regardless of their membership status. This information was posted on the chamber’s website www.visitoysterbay.com and was updated regularly. At the same time, the chamber supported members by scouring resources to provide relevant information and sources for personal protective equipment, Paycheck Protection Program or Small Business Administration loans
and grants to help support shopkeepers. As the Covid-19 numbers improve, the chamber is now pivoting and shifting focus to marketing our local businesses. Businesses running at a 10 to 15 percent profit have lost a third of their revenue, and it will take merchants many years to make back the pandemic losses before they start making profits again. The only way for our businesses to truly recover from the hardships caused by the pandemic is for Oyster Bay and East Norwich residents to support our hardworking small business owners by shopping locally.
Ryan Schlotter
President Oyster Bay East Norwich Chamber of Commerce
Farm to Table Since 1887
132
years
bay yster o n i ing
m
of far
fresh local eco-friendly sustainable aquaculture that protects the environment •
•
•
•
AMVET member Richard DeJesu, prepared to raise AMVET’s flag alongside the American Legion flag on Veterans Day.
oyster bay, ny 11771 shellfish farmers since 1887
1103265
FRANK M. FLOWER & SONS
Tammy Lanham/Herald Guardian
