The Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce has postponed all of its upcoming events because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the annual Business Excellence Awards.
The current situation is concerning and there are several issues of which businesses and chamber members need to be aware, Rob Clark, chamber CEO, said in a news release. This includes ensuring members have access to the facts; ensuring the chamber leads with a safety-first message; ensuring it effectively plans for things it can control; and thinking about the post-disaster phase to help enhance economic recovery.
“We are following the advice from health experts advising against events and gatherings,” Clark said. “By taking these precautions, we can mitigate the number of cases.”
The chamber has postponed all of its events in March and April until further notice, including:
- Finance minister luncheon (March 19, cancelled)
- Connects Momentum (March 20)
- Family Home Show (April 3 and 4)
- Business Excellence Awards (MJBEX; April 8)
- Energy on Tap (April 16)
- Administrative Professionals’ Day luncheon (April 22)
“Our first priority is to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our members, our staff and our community by taking the appropriate precautions that contribute to the cessation of any potential spread of COVID–19,” said Clark in the news release.
Besides human health, there will also be the negative effect on the health of the economy to think about, he continued. Companies are seeing their stock prices drop substantially, which means less purchasing of products and services by chamber members. Travel has been reduced dramatically, while more people will simply stay home. Many companies will adjust budgets downward and may have to pass on event tickets or sponsorships.
The economy was not stellar before the coronavirus hit and residents should not expect it to grow at double digits afterwards, said Clark. The chamber has the responsibility to help the economy recover quickly, but at the right time. The organization is researching best practices and will provide more information as necessary to businesses.
“Above all, stay positive. Businesses will be seeing their cash registers slowing, and as the voice of business, we must remind people that as with all big economic storms, this too shall pass,” he added.
The Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce has added to its website links from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and provincial government with more information about the coronavirus and business-related topics. The chamber intends to be an information portal for its members during the COVID-19 crisis.
For more information visit www.mjchamber.com.
