The Clarion County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) stands in favor of vaccination and supports our medical community in its efforts to offer vaccines to all those eligible.
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be an indiscriminate phenomenon, affecting all aspects of human life around the globe. Although we are nearly 18 months past the onset of COVID-19 in the United States, the economic ramifications of the virus linger and continue to cause disruptions.
Vaccination remains our best weapon to combat COVID-19 and regain the ground lost to its global spread.
Generally, a lack of confidence in the markets will, in turn, have disastrous economic consequences for those businesses, large and small. COVID-19 has disrupted consumer confidence in an unprecedented manner.
The economic recovery for our region, commonwealth, and nation depends upon the successful rollout and administration of clinically approved COVID-19 vaccines. The tragic loss of life was, and will remain, the greatest loss any community could bear.
Unfortunately, business owners, whether they contracted the virus or not, fell victim to COVID-19, chiefly in the virus’ ability to topple markets. Supply chains, workforce, advertising/marketing campaigns, etc. all experienced disruptions with tidal-like ripple effects. The result was the loss of confidence that consumers have in the markets to deliver goods and services safely.
Restoring confidence
Just as the COVID-19 vaccine will reduce and hopefully eliminate the threat of contracting the virus, it too will restore the confidence that consumers and producers can have in buying and selling. In the months since the vaccine rollout began, we have observed a sharp spike in the economy, both in reduced jobless claims and increased consumer spending.
The CCEDC has heartfelt recognition of the hesitation that many have toward receiving the vaccine. We also recognize the success that the vaccine has already achieved, both in reducing COVID-19’s spread and restoring the vitality of business communities everywhere.
We, as Clarion County residents, are fortunate to have incredible access to the vaccine, which sadly cannot be said for many other parts of the world. Countries with wide vaccine access have been economically buoyed.
The Clarion County business community deserves to thrive. Now that the vaccine is available to all Pennsylvanians over the age of 12, it is our hope Clarion County residents choose to vaccinate.
The Clarion County Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit organization in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. We support the local economy by attracting wealth-generating companies to the region and by connecting local businesses with resources they need to grow and thrive.
By Jarred Heuer, executive director, CCEDC
The opinions and statements made in this feature are those of the authoring organization and not necessarily those of Venango Newspapers.
