Jordan Beck | Daily Press The multi-use complex at the U.P. State Fairgrounds, home to the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s offices, is pictured. The chamber has made a number of changes to its operations recently.

ESCANABA – In order to continue offering its services to local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, the Delta County Chamber of Commerce has made a number of changes to its operations.

“COVID-19 has definitely disrupted the local landscape as our businesses try to adjust to the ever-changing needs of their employees, their customers and at the same time, face the financial challenges brought on by the pandemic and its aftermath,” Delta County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vickie Micheau said.

According to Micheau, the chamber has been working to support its member businesses as the pandemic continues — whether or not they have been able to stay open.

“The chamber, and all the organizations of the commerce center, are still working hard to make sure our members have the most accurate, up to date information about the resources that are available to help them during this trying time,” she said.

The multi-use complex at the U.P. State Fairgrounds where the chamber’s offices are located has been closed to the public since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order. Micheau said chamber business has been conducted virtually.

“Many of our meetings are now by video conferencing allowing us to stay connected while social distancing,” she said.

The chamber is still serving members and visitors by phone, email and social media. Additionally, flyers and brochures are available in the entryway of the multi-use complex, which is open during regular business hours.

To support businesses that have not been able to remain open during the lockdown, the Chamber has introduced a “Save Now, Shop Later Local” promotion. This is part of its existing gift certificate program, and has been supported by the Community Foundation for Delta County and local media outlets.

“For every $25 purchased, shoppers will receive an additional $5 to spend at our member businesses when they reopen,” Micheau said.

Micheau said the promotion has been well-received.

“I’m happy to say that requests for the Save Now, Shop Later Local gift certificates are far exceeding our expectations,” she said.

Looking ahead, Micheau said the recent announcement that Whitmer would be easing some coronavirus-related restrictions came with a “sense of relief” for the chamber and its members.

“Businesses that are reopening are communicating what they are doing to follow safety guidelines that ensure the safety of workers and the general public so their customers will feel comfortable doing business with them again,” she said.

She said the chamber’s board of directors and staff are working to stay positive and do whatever they can to promote member businesses.

“We are thankful to our members for all they are doing to support each other and work together to keep things moving forward in our waterfront community in the face of such dramatic uncertainties,” Micheau said.

For more information on the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.deltami.org or find “Delta County, Michigan — Chamber of Commerce” on Facebook.

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