Great Scott! Looks like rain again... 

 

 

It’s Phase 2, and I’ve got to say it’s been a huge deal for so many members of our community. From foodies to boutique owners, it’s obvious most of the Greater Vancouver region is ready to get back out and get back to work...or presumably to work. For those of you opening your doors in Phase 2, remember you must have a written plan for your re-opening that addresses both your employees’ and customers’ safety. With the rain we’ve had this week and forecasted into next, I’m expecting storefronts and the downtown area won’t be too crowded, offering us all a chance to get used to a gradual ‘new normal’. 



Mind What Matters: Health & Safety Webinar – Thursday, June 18 
Join us next Thursday, June 18 for a FREE webinar in partnership with PeaceHealth experts. Hear from Peace Health's Director of Infection Prevention, Catherine Kroll, and Chief Executive, Sean Gregory, who will address COVID-19's impact to Washington businesses and provide steps to prepare and maintain a safe workplace. Our goal is to help employers and employees navigate the benefits of moving forward safely into Phase 2 and to provide a window into the future as it relates to vaccines and respiratory diseases. Register here for the 1:30 PM webinar.


Celebrating Your Re-Opening 
If you were one of the non-essential businesses that have since re-opened or are about to, please let us know! To celebrate our member businesses, we are collecting information about your new hours, safety precautions, and updated product list so that our social media following has a chance to visit your business. View the example video here, and fill out the form to have your own customized video, here: VancouverUSA.com/OpenVideo. 


Donate Now to Support Local Business 
We’re thrilled to be able to continue with our 18th Annual Wild Wild West Golf Tournament, presented by Columbia Bank on Monday, June 22. While different than our previous tournaments, we anticipate it’ll be the most fun any of us have had in months – all within the State’s Safe Start guidelines. A special shout out to Camas Meadows Golf Club for working so closely with us to set the standard for other tournaments coming this summer. 

While we’ve maxed out our player roster, we still have opportunities for customized sponsorship, swag bag inclusion, and basket donations! New for this year, players will be able to purchase “Shop Local, Stay Local” curated picnic baskets, each with elements of our Greater Vancouver business community. From wine, to cutlery, gift certificates and local experiences, these 15 baskets will be a great representation of how to support local and stay local at the same time. Follow this link if you’d like to contribute.


Rebound & Recovery Assistance Grant 
The Chamber recognizes how important it is for our community businesses to continue membership at the Chamber. Now, more than ever, is the time to rely on us for connections, resources, opportunity, and most importantly, community. The Chamber's Rebound & Recovery Assistance Grant will offer 50 unique businesses $100 toward membership renewal in 2020, easing the financial burden for those interested in continuing their valued membership. Additionally, members who receive the grant will also be offered a 60-day deferred payment option, or an opportunity to divide renewal into quarterly payments depending on preference and need. Follow this link to see if your business qualifies. 



And with that, Marty, I think I’d better sign off before affecting the space-time continuum any longer. 

See you in the future,

“Doc” John McDonagh 
President/CEO 
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce 
VancouverUSA.com | VancouverUSA.com/COVID-19