#ChamberStrong is your story! From MACCE: Via the Muskego Chamber
#ChamberStrong is a grassroots campaign to help tell the story of over 6,500 Chambers of Commerce throughout the country as we face uncertainty in our industry due to a lack of funding and not being eligible for COVID-19 relief programs including PPP (Paycheck Protection Program).
Our communities are turning to us as the first resource to provide information, guidance, positivity, and ideas during this unprecedented time. And now, as we plan for when the economy will open back up, everyone will be looking to Chambers of Commerce to help execute a swift recovery.
It is a misconception that Chambers are funded through municipalities, states, or the federal government. Chambers of Commerce are independent not-for-profit 501(c)6 organizations. All of our funding is generated through membership fees, sponsorships, and events.* Needless to say, during the COVID-19 crisis, we are not hosting events, sponsorship money is drying up and we anticipate a significant reduction in membership. We were left out of the programs we are currently promoting to the local business community essentially leaving Chambers without funding options or relief.
Chambers of Commerce are catalysts, convenors, and champions for our members and the communities in which we proudly serve. We want to continue our work for decades to come and that is why we need everyone to rally around us and be #ChamberStrong.
How can you be #ChamberStrong?
Join, sponsor, or donate to your local Chamber of Commerce (every little bit helps)!
Write or create a video testimonial about why you are a proud Chamber member. Tag your local Chamber and use #ChamberStrong.
Encourage local businesses and organizations to join their Chamber of Commerce.
Become a Social Media Champion for your local Chamber of Commerce – like them, comment on their posts, share their content, and leave a review!
Share these articles on your personal and/or professional Social Media profiles using the hashtag #ChamberStrong.
Article from Blackstone Valley Chamber
Article from Senator Ted Cruz
Together, we will all get through this uncertain time!
*Some Chambers of Commerce receive funding from their municipality/state and some chambers may have a 501(c)3 foundation. Please contact your local Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Aurora Regional Chamber: Virtual Job Fair Attention Employers & Job Seekers
The Illinois Dept. or Commerce & Economic Opportunity – Office of Employment and Training/Illinois workNet is launching a new, online website platform created to attract and remotely connect employers seeking qualified applicants with job seekers looking for long-term employment.
The Illinois workNet® platform is a proven technology that connects workforce and economic allies with seamless and real-time access to workforce development resources aimed at individuals, employers, and workforce/education partners throughout the state to innovate, collaborate, expand and grow.
Who Benefits:
· Employers looking for a free and easy way to advertise and connect remotely with qualified job applicants and schedule a personalized web-based presentation/job fair event to connect and fill job openings.
· Job Seekers looking for free and easy way to remotely learn, interact directly with employer human resource coordinators and apply for jobs available right now.
Reserve Your Virtual Booth Space
Employers need to provide key information to save a their virtual booth space on the new Illinois workNet® Virtual Job Fair site, that will be used to host the live, online job fair. There is no cost to participate in the virtual job fair, so log in today to provide your company information and reserve your virtual booth space.
The information you provide will be entered into the virtual job fair site and an online virtual booth with be created to display your company. Within 3 to 5 business days you will be contacted by a virtual job fair consultant from the Illinois workNet team to begin the process of holding a live, online job fair event.
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be happy
Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road.
Greater Starkville Development Partnership: SALONS, BARBER SHOPS, AND GYMS OPEN MAY 11 – WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES?
Executive Order 1480 will take effect at 8:00 a.m. on Monday May 11th. The Safer-at-Home order has been extended for two more weeks and additional businesses including barbershops, salons, and gymnasiums will be allowed to reopen.
Barber Shops and Salons FAQs
Q: Can I now go to my barber or hair salon?
A: Yes, you will be able to go to your barber or hair stylist effective May 11th.
Q: Am I required to wear a mask or a face covering?
A: Customers are required to wear a face covering at all times unless they’re receiving a service that would be impeded by the covering.
Q: Is my Barber required to wear a mask or a face covering?
A: Your barber is required to wear a face covering and gloves at all times.
Q: What precautions will my barber take to protect me and others?
A: All salons and barbershops will be deep-cleaned and sanitized daily. All shops will conform to the guidelines, including social distancing, from the CDC and the State Health Department. Health screenings will be used and hand sanitizer will be available at all times.
More information: Greater Starkville Development Partnership
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory is available at the Pekin Area Chamber today! Thanks to Amy McCoy and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Goodbye, Bill
Fleming! May the wind be at your back!
Pekin Illinois Community Guide and Directory
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Jasper Chamber: Dubois County Guide released for reopening local economy
Local officials released today a packet of information to help guide the reopening of the local economy.
The “Together We Thrive” packet is being sent to local businesses and companies.
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory is available at the Pekin Area Chamber today! Thanks to Amy McCoy and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Goodbye, Bill
Fleming! May the wind be at your back!
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Jasper Chamber: Dubois County Guide released for reopening local economy
Local officials released today a packet of information to help guide the reopening of the local economy.
The “Together We Thrive” packet is being sent to local businesses and companies.
It will also be available at the Jasper Chamber of Commerce and the Dubois County
Chamber of Commerce, for those who did not receive one.
The packet suggests that each business location have a safe start kit.
The kit should include cloth face coverings, hand soap, disposable towels,
hand santizer, sanitizing wipes, thermometers, gloves, social distancing signage
and barriers to be used when applicable.
Current policies and practices should be reviewed to ensure that they meet the
Current policies and practices should be reviewed to ensure that they meet the
needs of the workforce and business during the transition back to work;
new policies may also need to be created, especially those that would limit the
spread of COVID-19 and cover protocol for if an employee gets the virus.
The task force also suggests that plans should also be in place for employee screenings,
for employees who are fearful of returning to work or for employees who
are in what has been stipulated as vulnerable populations.
The information suggests best practices for prepping a facility, preparing the workforce,
The information suggests best practices for prepping a facility, preparing the workforce,
controlling access to the facility, creating a social distancing plan, increasing cleaning
and increasing communications with employees. It also gives tips to protect employees’
physical and mental health, and includes phone numbers for
mental health resources and local sources for supplies.
ADP Collaboration: Local Biz Donates 27,000 Rolls Of Paper Towels To United Way
The Hattiesburg Public School District had a little extra surprise to hand out last week during its grab-and-go feeding drive-thru sites that have been implemented in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic: rolls of paper towels for each family.
The paper towels were the result of a large donation by Green Bay Converting, which recently partnered with the Area Development Partnership and United Way of Southeast Mississippi to fill a basic – but very in-demand – need by donating 27,000 rolls of paper towels to nonprofit organizations throughout the community.
Those organizations will supply the paper towels to their patrons while supplies last. Read more: https://www.hubcityspokes.com/news-hattiesburg/local-biz-donates-27000-rolls-paper-towels-united-way
Chamber Collaboration: Virtual job fair brings employers, job seekers together
Employers and job seekers around the region gathered for a virtual job fair Thursday to help ease the strains put on the community from COVID-19.
It was the first virtual job fair held in the region, sponsored by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce and Virginia Career Works with the help of Dr. Dave Miles and his Dr. Dave Leadership Corp.
Thirteen employers and more than 100 job seekers used Zoom for the job fair, taking questions and working to find the next great fits for their companies in multiple sessions throughout the day. An early session was set aside for youth ages 16-18 and about eight participants joined. Next, three sessions were scattered over three hours Thursday afternoon for adult job seekers.
Employers ranged from Valley Health to 84 Lumber to Thermo Fisher Scientific, with plenty in between to choose from.
“It can be difficult to get a foot in the door of an employer, especially during this time. It was wonderful to see the job seekers have a direct touch, face to face, with employers, and in such a short period of time get to see multiple career options,” said Cynthia Schneider, CEO of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. “Another successful outcome was the connections and collaborations that came across industries between the employers. This event will play an essential role in our road to recovery in the days to come.”
Job seekers were invited into the Zoom session, given simple instructions and then heard introductions from each of the employers and what they were looking for. Then, the job seekers were able to bounce around to different breakout rooms.
Those attending the job fair weren’t just limited to folks seeking jobs for themselves, though.
Rachel Lombardo, employee relations coordinator at Shenandoah University, was hopping around to find jobs to pass along to SU students.
“I’m seeking out opportunities for our students and looking for companies looking to hire some of our students on as interns or full-time jobs for those May 2020 grads who are entering a crazy work world,” she said. Read more: Winchester Star
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
U.S. Chamber Asks Congress to Help Nonprofits
Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide
The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Chris Comer and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Like many other organizations, nonprofits have been financially harmed during this crisis. Some have had to close their doors, while others are on the brink unless Congress acts.
A coalition of 3,738 organizations, including the U.S. Chamber, sent a letter to Congress urging to extend relief to local chambers of commerce, civic groups, trade associations, and other nonprofits so they can continue to provide important, community-minded services.
“Our groups contribute to the vitality and spirit of our communities,” the letter states. “We employ thousands of people and provide important workforce development and educational tools, economic support, and civic and cultural events.”
Oxford-Lafayette Chamber Hosts Conversation with Congressman Kelly
U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly (R-Miss) expects some heated arguments on Capitol Hill when the session resumes on how best to move forward with helping local and state governments suffering from revenue loss from the COVID-19 crisis.
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a phone-in group conference call Thursday morning between Kelly and local leaders, business owners, physicians, school officials and media.
“Mississippi’s small businesses have suffered while trying to navigate these difficult waters that COVID-19 has caused,” Kelly said.U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly spoke to local leaders and others during a conference call Thursday sponsored by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce.
Kelly said Congress is looking at a fourth stimulus package that will mostly be directed at helping local and state governments. Previous packages have provided funds for small businesses, hospitals and included the $1,200 check given to most adult Americans last month.
“I think we’ve been very successful in getting that money out there,” Kelly said. “So now we’re looking at a fourth package and they’re two thoughts on the Hill – you have some people who want to spend a lot of money to help local and state governments and you have some people who want to add other things.”
Kelly said he believes it is important to help the local and state governments that have “managed themselves well.”
“We should replace what has been lost in the revenues to our local cities, counties and state governments,” he said. “I do not, however, think we need to pay off debt, especially that has preexisted any of this COVID-19 crisis, so I do think there is going to be a huge fight over this package … If we focus on the debt of some of these large cities and states that have mismanaged over the years, I think there is going to be a difficult fight ahead.” Read more: Hotty Toddy
159 students awarded Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s 2020 Work Ethic Award
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a phone-in group conference call Thursday morning between Kelly and local leaders, business owners, physicians, school officials and media.
“Mississippi’s small businesses have suffered while trying to navigate these difficult waters that COVID-19 has caused,” Kelly said.U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly spoke to local leaders and others during a conference call Thursday sponsored by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce.
Kelly said Congress is looking at a fourth stimulus package that will mostly be directed at helping local and state governments. Previous packages have provided funds for small businesses, hospitals and included the $1,200 check given to most adult Americans last month.
“I think we’ve been very successful in getting that money out there,” Kelly said. “So now we’re looking at a fourth package and they’re two thoughts on the Hill – you have some people who want to spend a lot of money to help local and state governments and you have some people who want to add other things.”
Kelly said he believes it is important to help the local and state governments that have “managed themselves well.”
“We should replace what has been lost in the revenues to our local cities, counties and state governments,” he said. “I do not, however, think we need to pay off debt, especially that has preexisted any of this COVID-19 crisis, so I do think there is going to be a huge fight over this package … If we focus on the debt of some of these large cities and states that have mismanaged over the years, I think there is going to be a difficult fight ahead.” Read more: Hotty Toddy
159 students awarded Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s 2020 Work Ethic Award
Six students received $500 checks through the essay portion of the program
Pikeville, KY (May 6, 2020) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber recently recognized 159 high school seniors from across the region as completers of the Chamber’s 2020 Work Ethic Award program, with six of the seniors receiving $500 checks through the essay portion of the program.
Students from Belfry High School, East Ridge High School, Floyd Central High School, Martin County High School, Phelps High School, Pike Central High School, Pikeville High School, and Shelby Valley High School were among those to complete the 2020 program.
“It is an honor each year to award those students who have gone above and beyond their daily expectations to complete this program,” said Jordan Gibson, Southeast Kentucky Chamber president and CEO. “The Chamber, its board of directors, and its education committee, know the importance of a strong work ethic, and we are pleased to have sponsors who believe in the Chamber’s mission of supporting the students of our region through the Work Ethic Award program.”
The Work Ethic Award is open to seniors attending high schools located within the eight counties the Chamber serves. To qualify, students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher, and meet certain attendance requirements, among other strong work ethic qualities.
Each September, seniors commit to complete the program, find a sponsoring teacher at their school, and then, throughout a six-month period, are judged on and scored in the following areas by their teacher and guidance counselor: Attendance, excused/unexcused absences, punctuality, discipline, achievement, community service, dependability, respectfulness, cooperation, and work ethic.
Students who complete the program’s criteria are awarded a certificate and medallion. Those students then become eligible to enter an optional essay contest for the chance to win a $500 reward. This year, Appalachian Hospice Care, Appalachian Wireless, Anthem Medicaid, and Home Care Health Services each sponsored a $500 check for essay winners, with Gearheart Communications sponsoring two $500 awards. This year’s essay winners were: Gina Coleman (East Ridge High School), Abigial Meade (East Ridge High School), Chad Bates (Floyd Central High School), Mallory Davis (Martin County High School), Shakira Lester (Phelps High School), and Madison Caudill (Shelby Valley High School).
This year’s Work Ethic Award recipients from Belfry High School included: Hailey Dotson, Ruby Gauze, Maxwell Gilliam, Kyle Gollihue, Chelby Justice, Ian Stallard, Morgan Stanley, Skylar Vipperman,
Ethan Cole Webb, and Tayegan Webb.
This year’s Work Ethic Award recipients from East Ridge High School included: Joshua Adkins, Taylor Bevins, Alyssa Buckley, Viki Chaney, Gina Coleman (essay winner), Isabella Coleman, Caleb Damron, Katie Davis, Sydney Fuller, Sarah Hess, Broderick Lell, Abigial Meade (essay winner), Alissa Owens, Emmaline Potter, Madison Price, Emily Primeau, Lakin Puckett, Micah Raines, Jessilyn Ramey, Jasmin Rowe, Tyra Sullivan, Sarah Tackett, Megan Taylor, and Alexander Williams.
This year’s Work Ethic Award recipients from Floyd Central High School included: Allison Akers, Carly Akers, Ashleigh Allen, Chad Bates (essay winner), Dalton Boyd, Emily Branham, Brady Brewer, Taylor Burke, Emily Case, Janna Caudill, Carissa Click, Chase Conley, Alexis Daniels, Jacob Hall, Lauren Hamby, Hailey Hamilton, Whitney Hancock, Chloe Howell, Sahara Little, Noah Marcum, Blake Marshall, Abby Martin, Gavin Martin, Brooklyn Moore, Whittney Moore, Jonna Mullins, Austin Newman, Caroline Parsons, Brooke Preston, Savanna Price, Churstuin Pryor, Mashayla Spencer, Belle Stewart, Amber Stumbo, Stevie Brook Stumbo, Kelli Thomas, Allison Turner, Logan Turner, and Kiara Warrens.
This year’s Work Ethic Award recipients from Martin County High School included: Ethan Alexander, Haileigh Ball, Corey Blevins, Alexis Bowen, Jimaly Cornette, Jordan Daniel, Mallory Davis (essay winner), Nick Fletcher, Bobby Gordon, Maicee Harless, Lakyn Horn, Terri Howard, Emily Jarrell, Christopher Johnson, Katelyn Jude, Madison Jude, Raina Kinser, Matt Kirk, Braxton Maynard, Jessica Paige Maynard, Kimberly Maynard, Justin McKenzie, Christian Noble, Angel Porter, Darvin Preece, Harley Spradlin, Hannah Stapleton, Brendan Stevens, Madison Thompson, and Matt Washburn.
This year’s Work Ethic Award recipients from Phelps High School included: Heather Tiana Hinkle, Keaton Justice, Shakira Lester (essay winner), Kara Lewis, Ashton Reed, Alyssa Sargent, Chloe Smith, and Kara Stevens.
Auburn Hills Chamber: Governor Whitmer Outlines Reopening Strategy
Auburn Hills Chamber: Governor Whitmer Outlines Reopening Strategy
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CDF touts success at annual meeting held on social media
The Community Development Foundation enjoyed another benchmark year marked by hundreds of new jobs and more than $160 million in capital investment.
With social distancing still in effect, the CDF held its annual meeting this year via social media. Typically held the first Thursday in May, CDF’s annual meeting and open house event has historically been an opportunity for all CDF members to gather and enjoy an evening of food and fellowship while networking with other members.
The annual meeting portion of the event is required per the by-laws of CDF as it officially marks the passing of the gavel from the outgoing CDF board of directors’ chairman to the incoming chairman. It is also the time when the new CDF board of directors is announced, and accomplishments of the past year are reviewed.
Sam Pace, CDF’s outgoing board chairman, noted the past year’s achievements including:
Chamber of Commerce:
• 50 ribbon cuttings
• 46 events held
• Over 720 IGNITE tickets sold
• Reach Campaign – surpassed the goal by $30,000 thanks to Reach chair Tollie White
• Ambassador of the Year Award recipient is Ashley Prince, marketing specialist for local MOBILE
Economic Development:
• 11 new and expanded industries in Lee County
• 625 jobs created
• $160 million in new capital investment
• $23.4 million in new payroll
• $17.5 million in cost savings and new sales growth to 26 of Lee County’s existing businesses
• Ranked by Site Selection magazine as No. 2 micropolitan in the U.S. for new and expanding industries for 2019 and named “Mississippi’s Micropolitan of the Decade” for ranking in the top 10 for 7 years in a row.
“I am totally confident that North Mississippi will continue to experience much of its economic success due to the hard work and recruitment of CDF,” Pace said. “My hat is off to you for all that you do.”
Pace passed the gavel to incoming chairman Tollie White during the online streaming video. Tollie is CFO of Magnolia Business Centre and has served on the CDF board for several years. Read more: Daily Journal
Paducah Chamber Contributes to Small Business Relief Fund
Merit Health CEO: Hospital safe for routine patient needs
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!
With social distancing still in effect, the CDF held its annual meeting this year via social media. Typically held the first Thursday in May, CDF’s annual meeting and open house event has historically been an opportunity for all CDF members to gather and enjoy an evening of food and fellowship while networking with other members.
The annual meeting portion of the event is required per the by-laws of CDF as it officially marks the passing of the gavel from the outgoing CDF board of directors’ chairman to the incoming chairman. It is also the time when the new CDF board of directors is announced, and accomplishments of the past year are reviewed.
Sam Pace, CDF’s outgoing board chairman, noted the past year’s achievements including:
Chamber of Commerce:
• 50 ribbon cuttings
• 46 events held
• Over 720 IGNITE tickets sold
• Reach Campaign – surpassed the goal by $30,000 thanks to Reach chair Tollie White
• Ambassador of the Year Award recipient is Ashley Prince, marketing specialist for local MOBILE
Economic Development:
• 11 new and expanded industries in Lee County
• 625 jobs created
• $160 million in new capital investment
• $23.4 million in new payroll
• $17.5 million in cost savings and new sales growth to 26 of Lee County’s existing businesses
• Ranked by Site Selection magazine as No. 2 micropolitan in the U.S. for new and expanding industries for 2019 and named “Mississippi’s Micropolitan of the Decade” for ranking in the top 10 for 7 years in a row.
“I am totally confident that North Mississippi will continue to experience much of its economic success due to the hard work and recruitment of CDF,” Pace said. “My hat is off to you for all that you do.”
Pace passed the gavel to incoming chairman Tollie White during the online streaming video. Tollie is CFO of Magnolia Business Centre and has served on the CDF board for several years. Read more: Daily Journal
Paducah Chamber Contributes to Small Business Relief Fund
The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently approved a contribution of $5,000 to the city’s Small Business Relief Fund. “Small businesses make up over 80% of our total membership,” said Chad Beyer, Chairman of the Chamber Board. “The Chamber is committed to serving the businesses of this community and this is a way for us to show our support to them. We are proud to be a part of this effort and to partner with other community members to provide this financial assistance.”
Beyer said the Chamber usually celebrates the month of May as Small Business Month with a kick off at the May Power in Partnership breakfast and other seminars and special events. With COVID-19 the Chamber will not be having any in-person group meetings or events in May. “We are proud to be a part of this effort to lift up our small businesses and continue to recognize them through this contribution,” he added.
These funds will be matched by the city adding an additional $10,000 overall for the fund for the next round of grants to be distributed.
“The Chamber is our community’s number one advocate for small business,” said Mayor Brandi Harless. “Thank you for your generosity and support of our efforts to help small businesses push through these tough times. We will get through this if we work together.”
The Small Business Relief Fund is a partnership of the City of Paducah, West Kentucky Technical and Community College and the Community Foundation of West Kentucky. To donate to the Small Business Relief Fund, go to the Community Foundation’s website at cfwestky.org, call 270-442-8622 or mail to the Community Foundation, P.O. Box 7, Paducah, KY 42001.
For more information, go to paducahchamber.org, call the Chamber at 270-443-1746 or e-mail info@paducahchamber.org.
ACCE: Chamber of Commerce COVID Updates & Best Practices
COVID-19 Legal Liability Issues: A wide array of challenges remain around legal liability issues, from exposure liability and safe workplace requirements, to the potential for discrimination claims and health privacy concerns. Here are a few updates from this week:
- U.S. Chamber Of Commerce: Businesses Are Worried About Getting Sued As They Reopen
- Utah governor signs bill shielding businesses, property owners from coronavirus-related suits
501(c)(6) Inclusion in PPP: Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of representatives to ensure chambers of commerce have access to federal assistance like the Paycheck Protection Program. H.R. 6697, the Local Chamber, Tourism, and 501(c)(6) Protection Act, was introduced by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Greg Steube (R-FL), and Gil Cisneros (D-CA). Encourage your congressional representatives to co-sponsor and support the legislation. Learn more here.
Best Practices for Membership Renewal: We updated our COVID-19 Resource Guide with a section addressing best practices for membership renewal during times of crisis. This new section features tips and insights culled from ACCE’s Membership Development Division, along with template and sample communications. Read more: ACCE
A Ridgeland police officer who risked life and limb to save a stranger from a burning vehicle on I-220 has been recognized by the city.
Officer Victor Andrews responded to a two-vehicle accident on I-220 in February and ran toward a vehicle engulfed in flames with a male victim still inside. The driver’s clothing had caught fire.
“Officer Andrews responded quickly, removed the man from the vehicle, extinguished the flames on his clothes and got him a safe distance away from the vehicle,” said Lt. Tony Wilridge.
Dashcam footage from Andrews’ police cruiser shows a pitch-black night lit up by a vehicle on fire. An officer is seen running from the cruiser to the burning car. Moments later the officer is seen dragging a man out of the vehicle to safety.
Andrews said he knew what he had to do when he pulled up onto the scene.
“I knew when I pulled up and saw the vehicle badly engulfed that I had to see if anyone was in there and get them out,” Andrews said. “I couldn’t live with myself if I did nothing and someone died in a ball of fire.”
Andrews said the man’s jeans were caught in the car door and he had to cut them loose. After dragging him a distance from the vehicle he helped extinguish the fire on his clothes. Andrews said he remembers one thing from the moment vividly.
“It was hot,” he said.
Andrews did not get the man’s name and RPD officials could not release his name without talking to the victim first. Andrews said the man “seemed fine’ once he was away from the vehicle and though he would spend some time in the hospital, he had few injuries outside of minor cuts and burns. He said the man was thankful.
For his efforts, Andrews was awarded the Officer of the Month for March by the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Gene F. McGee presented Andrews with the award at the last city board meeting in April. Read more: Madison County Journal
MEDC Survey Identifies Concerns of Business Decision-Makers
Financial worries, uncertainty about COVID-19 recurrence, employee resources and consumer confidence top the list of concerns reported by more than 1,000 business decision-makers surveyed across the state.
The joint survey was conducted by the Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Manufacturers Association and Mississippi Economic Development Council to gain insight from business leaders and owners. More than 1,000 respondents representing a wide cross section of sectors and all geographic regions of the state answered questions regarding COVID-19 and its impact.
Nearly 88 percent of Mississippi business leaders report their operations have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 64 percent reporting revenue drops of up to 60 percent.
Sixty percent of the organizations were considered essential, and 60 percent also were small businesses. The research was conducted by Godwin, a Jackson-based communications and research firm, in late April.
When asked about concerns regarding COVID-19, nearly 45 percent of the respondents voiced business and financial trepidations, including financial impact on operations and capital, decreased consumer confidence and spending, lower productivity and even going out of business. Twenty-two percent surveyed expressed anxiety over the quarantine period and uncertainty of COVID-19 outbreaks in the future.
“The survey quantifies that COVID-19 had – and continues to have – a sweeping impact on our economy and state’s business climate, from large manufacturers to Main Street,” said Scott Waller, president and CEO of MEC, the State Chamber of Commerce. “While everyone is eager to safely get back to work, there is concern of what the future brings and providing resources for our workers. Read more: Northside Sun
Ridgeland Chamber Award: Police officer lauded for heroism
A Ridgeland police officer who risked life and limb to save a stranger from a burning vehicle on I-220 has been recognized by the city.
Officer Victor Andrews responded to a two-vehicle accident on I-220 in February and ran toward a vehicle engulfed in flames with a male victim still inside. The driver’s clothing had caught fire.
“Officer Andrews responded quickly, removed the man from the vehicle, extinguished the flames on his clothes and got him a safe distance away from the vehicle,” said Lt. Tony Wilridge.
Dashcam footage from Andrews’ police cruiser shows a pitch-black night lit up by a vehicle on fire. An officer is seen running from the cruiser to the burning car. Moments later the officer is seen dragging a man out of the vehicle to safety.
Andrews said he knew what he had to do when he pulled up onto the scene.
“I knew when I pulled up and saw the vehicle badly engulfed that I had to see if anyone was in there and get them out,” Andrews said. “I couldn’t live with myself if I did nothing and someone died in a ball of fire.”
Andrews said the man’s jeans were caught in the car door and he had to cut them loose. After dragging him a distance from the vehicle he helped extinguish the fire on his clothes. Andrews said he remembers one thing from the moment vividly.
“It was hot,” he said.
Andrews did not get the man’s name and RPD officials could not release his name without talking to the victim first. Andrews said the man “seemed fine’ once he was away from the vehicle and though he would spend some time in the hospital, he had few injuries outside of minor cuts and burns. He said the man was thankful.
For his efforts, Andrews was awarded the Officer of the Month for March by the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Gene F. McGee presented Andrews with the award at the last city board meeting in April. Read more: Madison County Journal
LINK CEO warns cuts coming as local businesses, governments deal with pandemic
Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins remembers the atmosphere in Columbus as the city dealt with the tail end of the Great Recession in 2009.
"Things were tough, but people were still eating at Harvey's," Higgins told Columbus Rotary Club members in Tuesday's Zoom meeting. "People were still going to Mi Hacienda. People were still going out to Proffitt's Porch and having lunch even though the economy was bad."
That year, the city suffered a $900,000 sales tax shortfall, according to Higgins. What about this year, with the Golden Triangle area still in the midst of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic?
"I think it's going to be worse," Higgins said.
Columbus, Starkville and West Point all make roughly 40 percent of their income from sales taxes, but with many businesses closed or limited and restaurants directed to shut their dining-room doors to customers, that source of money is scarcer.
That led Higgins to warn Tuesday that municipal governments might soon need to meet with banks and talk about restructuring payments on their current tax-increment financing bonds, which can help build certain improvements -- such as roads and water/sewer infrastructure -- for private developments and are repaid by sales and property tax generated there over time. Read more: The Dispatch
No one should be afraid to take care of routine or emergency healthcare needs at their doctor’s office or the hospital, Merit Health CEO Lance Boyd said in a virtual Friday Forum hosted by the Natchez Adams Chamber of Commerce.
Boyd said that no patients who have come to the hospital COVID-19 free have contracted the disease by receiving care.
As of Friday, the hospital was treating seven COVID-19 patients in an isolated unit of the hospital, two were on ventilators and four patients were in an isolated rehabilitation facility after severe cases of the disease, Boyd said, adding even more patients had recovered entirely.
Boyd also said the return rate on positive COVID-19 tests is very low — with around 15% of tests coming back positive.
“One statistic people need to realize is that zero patients have gotten COVID-19 by coming to our hospital,” Boyd said. “We’ve gone through a great deal of effort to segregate our regular patients from COVID-19 patients.” Read more: Natchez Democrat
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