Posted on Dec 16, 2020
On December 16th our presenter was Jenny Boettcher, President of Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce.
 
Mrs. Boettcher started the presentation by expressing her frustration with the State’s constantly changing rules and shutdowns while offering businesses very little financial relief.  There are a couple of grants available through Wayne County and the State, but they are either relatively small or only available on a first come, first served basis.  Through its website, the Chamber provides Covid 19 resources to help businesses follow State guidelines.
 
Addressing the Covid 19 restrictions, shutdowns, and event cancellations, the Chamber has had to pivot with the times.  It is deferring membership renewal fees for up to 90 days, offering businesses free Covid signs and PPE kits and, on the website, they can post employment opportunities. The Chamber’s Legacy on the Lake event was changed to meal and wine dinner kits available for purchase, and there was a Santa Claus “drive-by” in lieu of the Santa Parade.
 
To help the community support local businesses, the Chamber’s website provides a list of restaurants and their contact information that offer carry-out or curbside service.  You can also purchase Chamber Bucks that are accepted at local retail stores, health & fitness locations, salons, and restaurants/bakeries.  To help with foot traffic, it has sponsored a gingerbread house contest at over 50 locations with a detailed map on its website.