COVID-19 Business Resources

During this time of uncertainty, the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce is continually observing the situation and working with community partners to monitor the impacts on Knoxville. We are exploring virtual or rescheduling options for our upcoming events from now until school’s presumably resume on April 13.

We encourage all Knoxville employers to be implementing their own strategies that make sense for their organization and employees. Please consider the following advice and resources as you are preparing for the impact of COVID-19.

Keep Cashflow

• Make sure you are marketing! Communicate with your customers to continue to build trust and keep them aware of your current operations.
• Provide call-in and/or car-side services
• Consider the option of delivery to your customers
• Sell online! Don’t have a website? Adding a shop to your Facebook page is always an option. (https://www.facebook.com/business/help/912190892201033?id=206236483305742)
• Promote your gift cards or even provide deals – $25 gift card for $20, get money now and foot traffic later.

Planning and Preparedness (as advised by the Greater Des Moines Partnership)

• Review your emergency plans. Don’t have a plan? Now is a good time to start drafting.
• Discuss plans and contingencies, including the need to work remotely, flex hours, and consider the possibility of temporary office/store closures.
• Consider flexibility policies for those that have absences due to their own illness of their family members.
• Read through the disaster preparedness information pages on the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s website.
• Visit the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives crisis management resource center and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce resources and guidelines for business. 
• Review Iowa Department of Public Health’s workplace considerations.
• Read this blog about operational strategies, facilities cleanliness and communicating with internal and external audiences.
• Find information on how to access essential services through the United Way’s 211 program.

Government Resources:

• Governor Reynolds announced assistance for employees and employers affected by COVID-19 related layoffs: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/governor-reynolds-announces-assistance-for-employees-and-employers-affected-by-covid

Stay informed and look for information from reliable and trusted sources, including:

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Iowa Department of Public Health
• Marion County Public Health
• CO by US Chamber

If you are implementing special business practices during COVID-19, please let us know by emailing info@knoxvilleiachamber.com so we can share your information on our website.