Tracy Becker, the executive director of the Clarion Chamber of Business and Industry, says reactions from chamber members during the coronavirus have been “all over the board.”
“There are so many different emotions right now,” Becker said as businesses and residents moved into Clarion County’s green phase that started Friday. “It is almost like you want to get off the merry-go-round. It’s not fun anymore. I think people just want to move on,” she added.
“It has been 11 weeks since some of these businesses have had any income,” Becker said. “They need income.”
“All of the banks in town have been tremendous,” Becker said.
“It is particularly difficult for the restaurants,” she added. “Some restrictions still apply limiting their seating and they have to operate at 100 percent capacity to make any money.”
“The restaurants lost several big holidays – Easter, Memorial Day and all sorts of events from weddings to graduation parties. I have heard of so many graduation parties postponed until August. August is going to be a party month,” said Becker.
“There has been a lot of frustration,” she said.
Becker said she isn’t aware of any chamber members who are not going to re-open.
“There are a few wondering if they can stay open,” she said. “The last thing we want to see is any business closing.”
“If a business asks you to wear a mask it is out of courtesy to you,” she said. “There have been some ugly instances but they are doing it for you. Plus it is still a restriction under the green zone suggestions.”
“Some of our out-of-state visitors may come from a state where masks are not required and we need to be aware of the difference,” said Becker.
The Clarion Chamber is helping its members get back to business.
“We started a ‘Back in Business’ campaign for our businesses,” said Becker. “We will take a sign out to them and do a live Facebook feed. When they are ready to open we will get a photo of them with the sign and post it on Facebook.”
“People are looking forward to being open again,” said Becker. “The weather is beautiful and people just want to be out. It’s time.”