East New Mexico News

Clovis - Curry County Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Apr. 17. 

Clovis Economic Development (CIDC) and the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce’s new Business Recovery Task Force met yesterday afternoon to develop a business recovery plan. In conjunction with local government efforts, the task force will support and advocate for our local businesses in crisis due to COVID-19. Many business owners, community leaders and city officials have joined the newly-formed task force. While each member brings their own perspective to the table, they all share at least one thing in common: they care deeply about ensuring the future of our local businesses.  “There seem to be two main responses from people,” explained Greg Southard, president of the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce. “If you’re out there working – virtually or in public - you’re mostly concerned about safety. If your business is closed or you’re not working, you’re concerned about survival.”

Understanding the importance of both perspectives, the task force mapped out a variety of ways in which they can support the vitality of local business while protecting the welfare of our citizens:

- A task force sub-committee is in the process of formulating a letter to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham, outlining the extreme vulnerability of our local businesses. In addition to requesting that she consider lessening restrictions for small businesses in Clovis/Curry County, an additional sub-committee will outline solid guidelines for businesses so they can guarantee their ability to re-open in accordance to health guidelines and with all necessary supplies (masks, sanitizer, gloves, etc.)

 - Task force volunteers will act as a resource for businesses who want help coming up with creative ways to find other sources of income even if they’ve been forced to shut their doors.

- The task force will create and distribute promotional materials listing all local businesses that are still open, as well as those who are physically closed but remain open online.  Overall, the main consensus was that a “one-size-fits-all” restriction is not working for our state. Especially since, according to the workforce impact survey conducted by Andrea Corpening of Elite Business Performance, more than 70% of employees would be afraid to return to work even if the businesses are allowed to re-open.

Efforts are ongoing and the Business Recovery Task Force continues to monitor the local business climate through their COVID-19 Impact Assessment. All businesses in Clovis and Curry County are encouraged to take phase two of the Business Impact Survey, which will be available through Sunday, April 27.

For questions about the Business Recovery Task Force, please contact Clovis Economic Development at 575-763-6600 or ClovisStrong@clovisnm.org.

Original source can be found here.