During this uncertain and trying time, there are a few things that are self-evident.  We as businesses, residents, employees and employers are all in this together.  Every single one of us will feel the impact of this on our children, parents, family members, friends and coworkers.  The unknown is a terrifying concept and certainly our imaginations can draw up scenarios that are far darker than reality.  In this time, I would urge all of us to come together (from a distance) and support each other in whatever way we can.

Our routines, businesses, social dynamics and norms are going to change dramatically.  We need to, as a community, rally around our small businesses, as they are the ones who will feel the brunt of this more than anyone.  Frequent your local restaurants who offer carryout or delivery and tip generously.  Patronize your local grocers and food distributors as they are the ones who still have products on their shelves and depend on your purchases for their survival.  We will all adapt, and this too shall pass, but the sad reality is that unless we support one another during this period, your favorite business may not be there at the end.

To do our part to practice social distancing, as recommended by the CDC and Ohio Board of Health, the Chamber will be cancelling all events scheduled for the rest of March and will be announcing what is to happen with April and May shortly.  It is important to know that while we are not physically open, we are still here to support your businesses, Chamber members or not, in any way we can.  We will also be redirecting our efforts to help our community and those most at risk.  Please reach out to me at (440) 842-1300 or ACatrina763@dollarbank.com with any concerns you may have or situations we might be able to assist with.

I certainly have never experienced anything like this and imagine most of you reading this have not either.  Though uninvited, challenging times like this are often the best opportunities to rise up and show what your constitution is as a person.  We have the option to go at this alone and merely hope that we all make it out on the other side; or we can lift one another up and face this together.  The only way out of this is to go through it, and we all stand a much better chance if we help one another, day after day, week after week, until we can return to what will certainly be a different, but more predictable and optimistic time.