Here's some Luck of The Irish on your Friday The 13th:





This is an interesting week for Fun Note Friday. To begin, the superstitions around Friday the 13th close the week somewhat ominously, and to start our week next week, we have the luckiest day of the year, St. Patrick’s Day. Above is a recreation of what St. Patrick would look like with a Fun Note Friday touch, and to bring a little bit of luck (and resources) to your inbox, we’re dedicating this note to supplying you with important information for you and your business.

There is real concern about COVID-19 and the effect it is having not only on those individuals who test positive, but on businesses across the country and the world. Considering the angst surrounding the virus itself demands a serious assessment of our routines and habits. Put your health first, but keep your community in mind. If you’re noticing any signs of sickness, stay home and rest. Wash your hands multiple times daily, and remember 20-seconds is a great start (my granddaughter reminded me that singing the ABC’s is an easy trick to pass the time).

At the Chamber, your business is our business, and we are striving to assure the safety and health of our business community is priority. With this, you’ll notice some changes to upcoming events and gathering based on precautionary measures. Please note, the upcoming Business After Hours at Greenleaf Apartments has been postponed to April 23 at this time. If you have pre-registered for this event and would like a refund, please let us know. More information on our upcoming programs will follow as we are working together with member businesses to share Chamber content directly to your screens. 



Local Impacts of COVID-19

Tips & Strategies! Is your business taking innovative measures on behalf of your staff and clientele to prevent spreading the virus? Send us some of the steps you’re taking and we’d be happy to share these solutions with other businesses. You can reach us here at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com.

Feedback! Coordinated by the staff at the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), this survey is a way to aggregate the impacts on business and to suggest policy remedies as we weather this storm. Details for participating in this short survey follow.

In addition, the Governor and state legislators have invited feedback regarding the extent of current and projected impacts as well as any suggested policy ideas to provide remedies for affected companies. All responses will be aggregated so as not to disclose any vulnerabilities unique to any one company. Please take the time now to answer this four-question survey with your best information as of today.
 

Resources for our Community
Here are some of the latest communications from local health providers and state and federal agencies on how to best prepare and address the situation in your business.

From PeaceHealth - Washington businesses are encouraged to follow the latest CDC guidance for employers at this time. This includes encouraging ill employees to stay home. Also, per the CDC, please don’t require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work. Healthcare provider offices and medical facilities are extremely busy at this time and need to prioritize serving patients who need medical care.

From The Vancouver Clinic - Resources

From Kaiser Permanente – CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19: Learn how to protect yourself and get care

From Legacy Salmon Creek - Resources

From Providence Health – Resources

From Clark County Public Health - Resources

From the Washington Department of Health, How can I be Prepared for a COVID-19 Outbreak? As well as other tips and a full FAQ.

From the Center for Disease Control (CDC) – Steps to Prevent Illness from the COVID-19 Corona Virus

While these are challenging and unpredictable times if we remain focused on the facts of the situation and take the necessary steps to slow and stop the spread, we’ll be back to full participation much quicker than if we do nothing.


Enjoy what is likely to be a quiet weekend for most of us and have a very Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

Sláinte!

John McDonagh
President/CEO
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
DIRECT 360.567.1050
#ThisIsHowIChamber