Numerous chambers of commerce throughout the North Shore are encouraging members and patrons to rely on one another during the coronavirus crisis as Nassau County seeks to track the economic ramifications of the pandemic.
After Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all non-essential businesses to shut down and advised residents to stay at home, small businesses are expecting to take an economic hit.
New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce President Reena Gulati said in an email to chamber members that it was imperative to support one another.
“During these unusual times that have altered our daily routine, we need to support each other and our local community,” Gulati said. “It is important that we all continue to do our business safely!”
Residents Forward of Port Washington sent out an email with a full list of businesses offering delivery or pick-up options as well as online ordering. The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce has compiled a similar list, viewable on its website.
Manhasset Chamber of Commerce President Elizabeth Johnson said in a video posted to YouTube Sunday that it was urgent to support local businesses.
“These businesses are the ones that sponsor school fund-raisers and little leagues, and now they need our help,” Johnson said. “Take the opportunity to get your provisions at your local dry goods store, market or restaurants.”
Johnson added that all merchants were offering curbside pickup.
On Wednesday, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced a strategy that includes conducting a survey to track and calculate lost revenues across every industry so that county business losses can be recouped.
The strategy includes a partnership with Hofstra University to maintain an accurate running tally of lost revenues and expenses and the multiplier effect of these economic losses. A data collection system for all segments of the county’s businesses, including industries such as hotels, restaurants, bars and entertainment, among others, will be put in place.
“I sympathize with the thousands of Nassau County businesses and employees and the nearly 1.4 million residents of Nassau County who are adversely impacted economically and I vow to advocate on their behalf,” Curran said. “Our goal is to advocate for the relief that our families and local economy will need. I thank Hofstra University and all of the members of the Economic Advisory Council for their hard work and commitment to this long-term endeavor.”
The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency recommends that businesses take the survey, alert the county if applying for assistance, contact banks for business loans at 3.75 percent or a comparable rate, and apply for disaster assistance loans. The IDA has also compiled a list of resources for businesses, viewable at their website.
The survey is available at hofstra.edu/nassau-survey/index.html.
Emma Jones contributed reporting.
