What a Difference Two Months Makes

What a difference two months makes.  Two months ago we were going about our daily lives, attending events, hanging with family and friends and going to work just like normal.  And now, well, normal has changed.  We are now spending time at home, having takeout delivered to us, Zooming with our co-workers like an episode of the Brady Bunch, going to the grocery store wearing masks and working at work, only if we are labeled as “essential”.
    
So what is next?  I am not sure that anyone can predict where we will be, even in a month.  Finding that new normal is going to be different for every single person.  Will we have to limit the number of people who attend weddings?  Will some employers implement more work-at-home days so that less employees are together?  What will the students do in order to finish this school year?  Everything falls into the unknown.
    
As the Executive Director of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, I feel for every single business who is going through this difficult time.  Over the years, we have built relationships with every single member of our Chamber and to see the tough times they are going through now has helped us realize that we are playing an even more important role today that a month ago.
    
Our organization serves as a resource and connector for our businesses and community and during this time our services have become even more important.  We have been spending hours collecting new information, verifying it is correct, posting in on our website, only to receive newer information that needs verified and posted.  We have also been able to connect our members with each other, who then can exchange ideas, work together on marketing in their industry and also simply develop long-standing relationships with each other.   
    
We have been calling (yes, calling) every single member to see what they need and every single member is different.  Some members need information on loans.  Some need assistance in finding resources for their employees.  Some need additional training for their staff.  Some members simply need a shoulder to cry on – and we are proud to be that shoulder for them.  Trust me, there has been a lot of crying exchanged.  We are just glad we are here to be that shoulder.    
    
The Chamber’s role is changing every single day and we are stepping up to the plate.  We have created a virtual map where people can click on a particular business and know their status – are they open, closed, delivering, changing hours, etc.  We are also interviewing our expert members and providing those videos to the community (starting on 4/20).  We are setting up Zoom groups for different industries.  Our networking events have continued on Zoom, with speakers and fund networking.    
    
Our organization has been able to regroup and find ways that we can best assist our members and the community.  Should you need anything or have any additional ideas that we can implement, please give us a call (618-667-8769) or e-mail me directly (dawn@troymaryvillecoc.com).  We will get through this together – I promise.  Take care and be safe.

Dawn Mushill
Executive Director, TMSM Chamber of Commerce
Customer Service and Beyond
www.dawnmushill.com    dawn@dawnmushill.com
618-444-6808