Per Governor Evers’ Order on May 11, some businesses may begin to open slowly with social distancing and sanitation plan developed. The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce has been updating its members/investors and the community about Covid-19 daily since the pandemic started in March.
“The Chamber’s role has always been and continues to be support of our local business and as a resource for education and promotion of the Merrill area,” said Debbe Kinsey, Chamber President/CEO. “During this pandemic period, we have been a localized “information central” for our businesses and community. We have posted an overwhelming amount of information, over 200 pieces, on our website and social media channels combined.”
As the drop box for information, the Chamber has posted pieces from the local government’s grant/loan program, the Lincoln County Health Department, WI Health & Human Services, WI Economic Development programs and services, all the Governor’s Orders, and many federal guidelines/programs and grant/loan programs.
The Chamber staff also takes part in daily teleconference calls/meeting with county, state and federal agencies; as well as numerous webinars weekly. In addition to all the other information posted daily, they have also put together a variety of tools/guides to help ease business into our new and ever changing normal. These include:
• COVID-19 Notice for businesses to post on their door showing customers that they have a COVID-19 Business Plan in place, including sanitary, social distancing, staffing and other items;
• Back to Business Toolkit;
• Open for Business directory;
• Five-steps to Reopening

Additionally, the Chamber is launching two new special events:
• Back in Business & Better! Is their kick-start ribbon cutting program for existing businesses. Businesses will receive a sign Back to Business sign and ribbon. We schedule an outside ribbon cutting with photo and post it to our website and social media and submit it to the press. It a visual promotion for the business, their customers and our community.

• Blue Jay Day will be held on Friday, May 22. This was to be the date that our community seniors were to walk for graduation. While they are missing this milestone, as a community, we can help by showing them support. We are asking everyone to wear your “Blue Jay gear” or simply dress in blue, decorate or hang a sign in honor of the Graduating Class of 2020 on May 22!

“This has been an extremely difficult time frame for everyone,” concluded Kinsey. “Slowly, we are beginning to get back to business, albeit in a different way. Kids have been home and so have so many parents, whether they are working from home or had no work to go to. Many businesses have temporarily closed or have limited items for sale and/or customers allowed in. We applaud all the essential workers out there that helped to keep our community safe, sound and working well. And to all the businesses that were able to, on some level, keep your doors open and your employees working. Thank you. We have been here for you since 1911 and we will get through this period and beyond by working together.”

For full details on Covid-19 publications or upcoming events/activities please visit the Merrill Chamber Website www.merrillchamber.org or Face Book Page at merrillchamber. For additional information or scheduling your Back in Business ribbon cutting please call 715-536-9474 or email ken@merrillchamber.org