As we enter this new month of May, we’re continuing to adapt to life in the face of global pandemic. We’re not through the woods yet, but we do know a little more than we did before. While health information and legislation change almost daily, one thing is constant: our people.

A priority for our team this past month has been contacting all of you, our valued members. We know many of you are struggling, and we want to be there for you—in both the good times and the bad. We have had hundreds of conversations already, listened to your concerns and fears, some even with tears.

We are worried about the short and long-term effects of this crisis, too. We hope everyone comes out better, but know that may not be the case. We encourage everyone to take advantage of all the resources out there, from loan opportunities to state and local programs. A list can be found on our website, and is continually updated.

Many members have gotten creative as we are all forced to adapt. Employers and employees have learned to work from home. Some businesses are taking the extra down time to deep clean equipment, offer professional development training, take on new projects, connect with customers online, or transition to drive-up and take out service. Others don’t have the luxury. While one business thrives, another is struggling to stay alive. Events-based businesses are worried about planning for a future that is unclear. We feel that pain.

Regardless of how hard this is, we are energized and inspired by the spirit of support our community has shown. Many of you expressed gratitude for the generosity of customers and the public during this time. Some of us may not come out on top, but we will fight through this together.

Please remember that we are here for you. Ask us if you need help, connections to a resource, or just want to talk. Our team is ready to lend an ear—whether you are a member or not.

As we continue to navigate this situation, we are proud to stand with the EDC and a number of other regional organizations part of the Greater Fargo Moorhead COVID-19 Business Task Force. Regular communication through this group allows us to share information, coordinate resources for the good of all our communities, and stay up-to-date on developments.

No matter how or when this ends, we will persevere. We’ll adapt to whatever new normal is coming. When it is safe to be together again, we can’t wait to see your faces and share experiences in person. The sun will shine again, and we have some really exciting plans in the works for when that day is here. Until then, reach out, stay in, and stay safe.

ICYMI: Here's a peek into what else is going on:

-New offers for a virtual world-

• Check out our Facebook support group to share information, questions, ask for help and connect with other businesses
• Make sure to visit our web resource pages to find the latest news and support, including financial assistance programs, a restaurant offers list, community needs and volunteer opportunities, job postings, and more
• New online content is coming to highlight our business community and share inspiring stories—check out our first video member spotlight on Facebook, and the first Chamber podcast is in the works.
• Added new virtual events in April and May to keep you connected, in partnership with Dale Carnegie

-Membership & Connections-

• Chamber staff has been calling and connecting with all members to check in make sure they know they we’re here to help. (Haven’t heard from us yet? Reach out; we’d love to talk!)
• We know businesses are wondering how to plan for an uncertain future, so we’re working on ideas to provide helpful information.
• The first virtual ribbon cutting took place to continue celebrating member successes and milestones.

-Advocacy efforts-

• Our public policy team has been hard at work advocating for you through communication with state agencies and legislators, finding answers to your questions, and connecting you to resources that can help.
• We’re proud to participate in a regional COVID-19 Business Taskforce with the EDC and other local organizations to share information and resources.
• Email updates went out to main contacts on the latest developments, and special webinars and videos took deeper dives into legislation and important information.
• We’re involved in discussions for providing funding and support to business sectors that are struggling the most right now.
• We’re collaborating with the DCP and CVB on an effort called the Hospitality for Healthcare Fund to subsidize the cost of meals for healthcare workers and first-responders.
• Because more than COVID is happening, we’re providing local election information virtually, with candidate videos and interviews planned for the blog.

Check out our events calendar for the latest updates regarding Chamber events.

As doors slowly begin opening again, we can’t wait to catch up with you all and move forward into a positive and successful future.