20 May TACC Responds To Pandemic To Support Businesses/The Region & Plans For Reopening
The COVID-19 pandemic arrived and the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) responded in a planned, proactive, positive and productive way in coordination with regional partners.
TACC Responds & Takes Action:
- TACC has a COVID-19 Action plan in regards to day to day operations, services, programs, meetings, and events. This is a three-level action plan. Serving as the Business & Visitor Center – INFO Center (Virtually).
- Ongoing general communication with all of our Members and businesses in regards to COVID-19 Resources, assistance, regulations, and Reopening Guidelines. This will be ongoing as information changes. In addition, they are receiving updates from our partners, the North Country Chamber of Commerce.
- Assisting Members & Area Businesses to identify and understand federal funding, regional funding, & local funding and financial resources available to them. We are also assisting them in applying for funding.
- Daily email communication with businesses being affected by new state temporary regulations and reopening guidelines, etc. Ongoing communication with businesses being affected by new state temporary regulations every 3 days. Keeping them informed to the best of our ability. Assisting them to evaluate changes in operation, what is working, what isn’t working, make additional plan changes, etc. In addition, inform them/assist them with federal funding, regional funding, etc.
- Working with our regional, state, and federal partners and agencies (daily communication) to address all business concerns and issues, as well as identify business assistance and financial relief options, business resources, immediately and in the future from local, regional, state, and federal programs. This includes all TACC Partners, our representatives, and the Small Business Administration.
- One-on-one business support and services daily with numerous TACC Members and Ticonderoga Area Businesses. Reaching out to all Members individually to provide them with resources, to connect, and to see what their individual needs are.
- Social Media, Email, & Virtual Campaign on ways the community can support our local businesses during this pandemic. This also includes digital marketing on how restaurants are operating (take-out & delivery), and retailers operating differently during this time, etc. This includes infographics and COVID-19 Restaurant & Retail Guides.
- Participation in The Great American Buy Local initiative with ways to support local businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Providing up to date information on Ticonderoga Area Businesses on how they are operating doing business to the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and Sun Community News.
- Updating and maintaining the Ticonderoga Area Events Calendar and Regional Calendars to reflect event cancellations, rescheduling of events, etc.
- TACC remains open for service via phone, email, and social media. TACC staff have set up home offices but are working together digitally and over the phone to serve our members, the business community, and the Ticonderoga Area during this pandemic.
- Launched virtual COVID-19 TACC Business Resource & Assistance Center. UPDATED DAILY!
- Launched virtual Support Local Businesses – Member & Business Updates Center. UPDATED DAILY!
- Launched hashtags of #TiTogether and #ChamberStrong and also using #AdkStrong & #WeWillBeHereAdk in coordination with the region.
- Hosted Webinars in coordination with ANCA & Center for Businesses In Transition for Small Businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Focus on creating digital sales and operations.
- Hosting Chamber Chats – Virtual Coffee Meetings with TACC Members & Ticonderoga Area Businesses/Organizations Bi-Weekly.
- Working with ANCA/Center For Businesses In Transition to not only assist those businesses in transition but focusing on the COVID-19 and providing an array of business support and services.
- Working with/Serving on the committee for the Adirondack Park/Essex County Emergency Recovery Committee in coordination with the County and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism to plan for reopening which includes current needs, process of opening, resources for businesses and communities, and marketing (crafting and targeting marketing for local, regional, and visitors). This includes TACC being part of the ADK Planning Team to Address Reopening, Marketing, Business Support & Services, Planning For The Future, and Implementation: The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is currently telling our travelers that now is not the time to visit. Now is a time to PAUSE, reconnect with loved ones, and find safe, healthy adventures close to home. But rest assured, we’ll be here ready to welcome you back when the time is right. ROOST is committed to ensuring that every experience in the Adirondacks is the best it can be by providing up-to-date information. The safety of our residents is our highest priority as we navigate these uncertain times. We are dedicated to working in collaboration with health and government officials as well as our Adirondack communities to help provide the resources we all need to make informed decisions.
- Hosted Virtual Meeting/Tele-Townhall with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and NYS Representatives in coordination with the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Hosted Virtual Question & Answer Meeting with the Small Business Administration Regional Representative in coordination with the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Hosted Roundtable Discussion with Assemblyman Dan Stec, Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Board.
- Hosted Webinar/Virtual Meetings – Adirondack Tourism Strategy – Pathway Forward Teleconferences with ROOST for area businesses in coordination with other Chambers.
- Hosted Tourism Talk Virtual Meeting with ROOST & Area Businesses.
- Hosted additional Tele-Meetings with representatives from state and federal government, Tele-Meetings with small business resources & agencies, etc.
- Hosted Marketing During COVID-19 Webinar with eVision Digital Marketing.
- Having Social Media Contests & Giveaways to support local businesses.
- Launched TACC COVID-19 – “We Will Rise Up” Video & Photo Collages for use on Youtube, Social Media, etc.
- Launching “We’re Back” Campaign for reopening.
- Working with our TACC Partners to ensure Members are taking advantage of their benefits via these partners. Promoting Webinars, Trainings, & Services available for our Members and Ticonderoga Area Businesses to take advantage of.
- Working closely with the Essex County Industrial Development Agency to assist area businesses.
- Hosting NYS Sanitizer & Other PPE Distribution Days For TACC Members & Area Businesses.
- Planning for when the PAUSE is over including events, new and exciting brand, and getting our communities ready for visitors.
- Hosting events for our local businesses, community members & visitors (when we can).
- Researching and preparing to implement a Shop/Spend Local website (virtual shopping site).
- Launching new TACC Member Benefits via our website soon!
- And Much More! New tasks, projects, and initiatives are added each day in response to supporting our Members and the Ticonderoga Area Business Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic including future etc. We’re here for you each and every day! We are living this with you!
TACC is continuing to work with the Adirondack/North Country Region planning groups to serve businesses during the pandemic, through the reopening and phases, as well as the future in regards to business support, forward movement, the regional economy, and tourism. Partners in this group in addition to the Chamber include the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, North Country Chamber of Commerce, Essex County, Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce. The committee was launched via Essex County to address the pandemic, the local economy, and supporting the businesses and the community as whole.
TACC also had their own COIVID-19 Response & Operating Plan which they have been following. In addition, TACC has and continues to expand upon their Pathway Forward Plan which will coordinated with their Strategic Goals & Objectives, Key Area of Focus, Mission, Vision, and Tag Line. This plan will be in coordination with the North Country Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism plans and efforts as well as other regional organizations.
The TACC serves, markets, and promotes their Members, Partners, and the Ticonderoga Area including Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Hague, Moriah, and Putnam, NY. The Chamber works hard each and every day to achieve their key area goals, live their tag line and mission, and strive to reach their vision.
TACC Mission: To initiate and provide programs, services, and leadership which will enhance a cooperative business community and create a vibrant economy, making the Ticonderoga Area an exceptional place to live, work, and visit.
TACC Vision: The TACC will be the leading advocate for business, serving as a driving force in the economic vitality of the greater Ticonderoga Area, uniting communities and maximizing resources.
TACC Tagline: Business Focused. Community Minded. Future Driven.
Key Areas of Focus:
Membership: Membership Services, Growth, & Retention
Business: Business Services, Support, & Development
Tourism: Marketing, Events, & Visitor Services
Communication: Public, Business, & Community Relations
Leadership: Partnerships, Economic Development/Sustainability, & Advocacy
Organization: Finance, Staff & Board of Directors/Ambassadors
“We are strong and together our communities can accomplish anything. We will rise up! We are proud to serve our Members and the Ticonderoga Area Business Community. We will continue in all we do to be positive, productive, business focused, community minded, and future driven. We’re here for you and we will continue to move forward into the bright future ahead. The Chamber staff has been working hard to serve our Members and the entire business community during this pandemic. We have been in close daily communication in an array of ways with our businesses and organizations. In addition, we have been in communication with our local, regional and state partners as well as other agencies and local, state, and federal offices/representatives on a regular basis. We encourage the community to support our local businesses all year long, but in particular right now when they need you the most. Visit www.ticonderogany.com or the Chamber’s social media pages to see our infographics on ways to support local businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We will continue to be provide positive and productive leadership. We must continue to support one another. Together we will weather this crisis. Thank you to our Members & Partners who continue to make all of our services, programs, and so much more possible. #TiTogether #ChamberStrong #AdkStrong #WeWillBeHereADK,” commented Matthew Courtright – TACC President & CEO.
For more information contact the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce at 518-585-6619, email chamberinfo@ticonderogany.com,.Stay up to date on COVID-19 Business Resources & Assistance, Member & Business Updates, news, events, services, and more by liking and following the TACC on Facebook or visiting www.ticonderogany.com.