By Pam Staneski
Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce
Pam Staneski
We began March by welcoming 18 new businesses to our Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce family, just since January. As March ended we watched local businesses, entrepreneurs and institutions shutter their doors as the governor declared a public emergency in response to COVID-19.
Over the next three months the chamber worked with a collaborative group of community partners to develop and support a shared vision for economic resilience and recovery. A dominant theme expressed by many of the partners was that economic recovery will only be possible if we work to nurture confidence in consumers, businesses and the workforce.
Questions regarding proper protocols, access to PPEs, changes to workforce patterns and school closures highlighted the serious challenge of restoring confidence to shop, work and invest. We leveraged technology to address these questions, posting trustworthy information on safety protocols and sharing resources via social media platforms and weekly email updates. We are continuing to work with government agencies on policies and to support a buy local initiative.
Businesses in our area have always been concerned about the wellbeing of their workers and customers. They understand that what they have done under “normal” circumstances had to be modified to advance the level of confidence required by the overseeing agency, and more importantly our community. They have stepped up — taking on this challenge by practicing disinfecting and cleaning protocols, implementing contactless transactions and social distancing guidelines, offering flexible work environments and executing general safety procedures. That in turn builds confidence. We trusted our business leadership three months ago and we should continue to do so.
This is our chance to restart, reinvent and return the economy to a vibrant state after so much disruption. I am confident that with the work of the reopening committee and our businesses our region is positioned for a successful rebound. The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce will continue to be a resource, partner, and leader as we navigate the road to recovery and restore confidence. We can be reached at 203-878-0681; give us a call.
PS on building confidence: Visit the bestofmilford.com and help us celebrate the best Milford has to offer in the arts and entertainment, food and dining, shopping, health and wellness, home and garden, and service industries. Milford Living Magazine and The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce will be accepting registrations in dozens of categories. The community is invited to vote for the best and brightest in local food, shopping, entertainment, outdoor adventures and more. The 2020 Best of Milford award winners will be honored at the Best of Milford gala on Sept. 30 at the Milford Yacht Club. Winners will also be featured in the fall issue of Milford Living Magazine.