Should we call it “déjà vu”? 

 

 

 
Well, here we are again! I hope you all have been practicing the collective quarantine efforts while making the most of it. Still in this unknown time, it’s best that we all work together, apart, to assure our community’s safety takes priority and that we begin to prepare for the eventual reopening of the business community when we can begin to re-build our businesses and the vitality of our community. 

Today, Governor Jay Inslee announced that low risk construction could resume when they can meet all the requirements for opening job sites. Those requirements include: only sites where social distancing can be observed; having a site plan to address COVID-19 monitoring and control; train all employees on the site around COVID-19 and have PPE to be worn whenever workers are on the site; ability to maintain a safe and healthy jobsite for those working on the site. The Governor also stated that other sectors will open when the data indicates it is the right time and could not be forecast at an arbitrary date. View Washington’s Recovery Plan, here. 

 
Sharing Your Voice: 
In anticipation of the Chamber’s 2020 Legislative Review & Economic Recovery Livestream event on Friday, May 15, we are collecting as much data on what our business community is experiencing. With this information, we will supply pertinent details with our SW Washington Legislative Delegation in order to inform the policy decision needed to assure a successful recovery. Please take a few minutes now to click through to this survey being advanced along with our partners at CREDC and Identity Clark County. The more participation we have across all our sectors, the more meaningful the data we deliver will be. 
 

Unemployment Insurance: 
As the Employment Security Department (ESD) launched a redesigned online system to accommodate the expansion of unemployment benefits enabled by the CARES Act, the ESD website has since experienced an overwhelming demand for service quoted at nearly 500,000 users per hour. Although e-services may be slowed down, the informational areas of the website are not impacted and will address many questions regarding benefits and updates. According to ESD Commissioner Suzi LeVine, “Tens of thousands of people have been able to apply for expanded benefits over the past few days. This will make a tremendous difference for these families. Yet, we know many people have been unable to access the system and submit their applications. We know how frustrating this is and are adapting in real-time to this massive influx of new claimants as best we can...We want to reassure everyone that those who are eligible will get their money and that they will be paid retroactive to their date of eligibility. This is a source of funding that won’t run out.” Learn more about Washington State’s expanded unemployment benefits at ESD.wa.gov.

 
Engagement Opportunities: 
Grow The (360), Clark County’s Official Shop Local Currency Program was announced just this week along with a call for merchants! Any of our Chamber members that possess a gift-able product (for instance salons, restaurants, boutiques, etc.) can apply to become a participating merchant. On May 1 to celebrate Small Business Month, our certificate portal will be open for anyone to purchase local currency redeemable at any of the participating merchants. Make sure your name is listed before the portal opens up! Learn more about the program and how to participate at VancouverUSA.com/GrowThe360. 

 
Positive News:
Many of our local businesses and community members have stepped up these past few weeks to contribute to the health and safety of our frontline workers and healthcare providers. For instance, Community Home Health & Hospice has received over 3,000 hand-made masks by community members and sewing groups providing CDC approved PPE materials to their healthcare professionals, patients, and their families. There is even a portal on their website instructing readers on how to make a mask at home, and if able, how to donate one to Community Home Health & Hospice. Learn more here. 

Additionally, Legacy Health is offering guidance for those interested in donating blood for those in need, locally, and resources for those able to supply mass amounts of PPE materials. For more information about working with Legacy Health, follow this link.

If you’d like to share your stories of positivity with us, please connect with us so we can learn more. 

  

And with that, wishing you all a great weekend and a productive week ahead,

John McDonagh 
President/CEO
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
DIRECT 360.567.1050
VancouverUSA.com/COVID-19