Latest NewsChamber Staff Calls All 1,377 Members, Uncovers Community ChampionsPhone calls offer resources and assistance to businesses
As a key supporter for the business community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber staff called all 1,377 members to ensure everyone had the necessary resources and information to continue essential business operations, apply for loans, obtain cleaning supplies or personal protective equipment, and more. The phone calls also uncovered opportunities for members to collaborate and serve the community together.
Through a partnership with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (IESBDC), the City, and the County, the Chamber quickly disseminated pertinent information to the business community to help them navigate these challenging times. The Chamber came alongside a small business member who was having trouble applying for disaster relief funding. With assistance from the IESBDC, this business successfully received the SBA’s emergency $10,000 funding and a loan, helping their business stay open. Feeding America Riverside|San Bernardino was in need of a large location to conduct a drive-thru food distribution. The Chamber quickly connected Feeding America with the Galleria at Tyler, which resulted in two Drive-Thru Distribution Pop-Ups providing nearly 4,500 families with food boxes. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities in need of personal protection equipment and cleaning supplies were connected with members who could donate items or local businesses who had them in stock and readily available. The Chamber was also able to help The Salvation Army build a connection with Heroes Restaurant and Brewery, who provided a generous food donation to help feed 1,300 local residents. With the challenges surrounding COVID-19, many of the most vulnerable in the community cannot leave their homes and rely on The Salvation Army’s monthly delivery of food. In these phone calls, the Chamber was able to direct nearly 100 member restaurants to the Chamber’s Facebook Group “Riverside’s Take-Out/Delivery/Shopping Options During COVID-19” to use as a platform to reach over 6,300 customers and members of the community. As a hub for information, the Chamber will continue to work constantly to support all members and keep them informed. For more information, contact Brooke Biddle at bbiddle@riverside-chamber.com or 951-683-7011 Ext. 210. |
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