Area chambers of commerce are stepping up to help local businesses that have been forced to temporarily close or drastically cut back on their operations due to mounting coronavirus concerns.
Jodi Lewis, director of the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday we are doing “everything, whatever we can.”
Lewis said the chamber has been very busy the last three days getting the word out, getting businesses what they need and encouraging them.
The chamber is also partnering with the Franklin Rotary Club to deliver groceries to the elderly. People can call the United Way 211 number or the Franklin Chamber for help.
Lewis said she has a list of volunteers ready to help as needed.
“I’m constantly being contacted by people who are willing to help with groceries and do what needs done,” Lewis said. “Together we can make things happen.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can call the chamber or contact Lewis over Facebook, Lewis said.
“We have a fabulous network which was already in place. Businesses are working together,” Lewis said. “Business owners are concerned for their employees and community. There are more small town heroes than I knew existed.”
Susan Williams, director of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber’s first priority was to share information about the virus and share ideas to help businesses.
She said some businesses that have closed wonder if they will be able to reopen if the shutdown ordered by Gov. Tom Wolf lasts two months rather than two weeks. She also said child care issues will impact the ability of many people to work.
Williams encouraged the community to come together and be innovative and supportive of one another.
Both chambers have lists of businesses that are closed and other community related news on their websites that are being kept updated.
Lewis also encouraged the community to support local restaurants during this time as they are only allowed to offer take-out food. And she wants people to support local businesses when virus concerns dissipate and the businesses reopen.
