By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director
If you received our e-newsletter #HowWeChamber last week, you’ve likely already heard some of this news but I just wanted to share it with the broader readership of the newspaper. In unprecedented times like these, we are seeing a number of agencies, non-profits, individuals, and businesses coming together to help each other out. Here are some things we at the Chamber are helping with:
Tillamook Takeout: You might be a member of our Facebook group Tillamook Coast Takeout + Delivery – which grew into thousands of members seemingly overnight. Every day we are witness to how our community is being intentional about what they buy and helping out our local restaurants, cafes, and eateries by patronizing their businesses. We truly are our best when we work together. This group is free to join, and if you’re on Facebook and like takeout then I encourage you to join in. We will be randomly selecting folks who post pictures of their takeout with the hashtag #TillamookTakeout on Facebook and Instagram to win gift certificates to local restaurants.
Signage Restrictions Loosened: The City of Tillamook has decided to loosen the signage restriction on businesses within the City of Tillamook to help them out during this time. What’s more, they have loaned the Chamber their inventory of a-frame barricades so that businesses can check them out to use as sandwich board signs. To ensure compliance, quality, and care for the frame, only signs made and installed by PSI will be permitted. And while the a-frame will eventually be returned to the City when this is over, the sign is yours to keep for future needs. So if you own a business that is remaining open and would like to effectively reach your customers so they know your hours, and any new orders-to-operation that you are implementing to keep yourself and your shoppers safe, a brand new sign might be incredibly beneficial to you.
Hours of Operation: Speaking of hours of operation, starting April 1 we are limiting the number of hours our office will be open to the public. We feel that staying open is important so that people can reach us when they have questions, concerns, or something to share. Our office will be open from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Monday – Friday with access available from the front door only. We ask that anyone entering please respect and maintain social distancing. Our staff will also be available by phone from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each weekday so feel free to call or email as well.
COVID-19 Business Resource Page: We have created a resource page regarding COVID-19 on our website, tillamookchamber.org. You can access it from the home page. We are updated it as more information comes in that will affect our business community.