Local businesses get pandemic creative
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POLSON – When the state of Montana was under a stay-at-home order, businesses around the area deemed “non-essential” went dark as part of the effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Polson Chamber of Commerce office manager Carol Cunningham said many local businesses have lost significant revenue since the pandemic started.
A lot of businesses in the area rely on the summer influx of out-of-state tourists to generate income. The tourism season got a late start due to virus prevention measures, but visitors are beginning to come to the area. Now, according to state guidance, visitors from out-of-state do not have to quarantine for 14 days before going into public. That makes it easier for people to keep their vacation plans.
Local residents are stepping up to support businesses in the area who have lost tourism revenue. Cunningham said after a news story aired on KPAX highlighted the Blue Goose Aviation’s loss of customers for aerial tours of the region, a number of locals booked reservations for flights.
As pandemic restrictions lift, locals can continue to safely support businesses. Getting take-out, buying gift cards and purchasing goods from local businesses using social distancing measures are ways to help keep local businesses afloat. Cunningham urges people who visit businesses in person to wear masks. People can purchase “Chamber Bucks” from the chamber, which can be used at many downtown businesses.
Businesses are also supporting one another. The chamber has compiled packets of information about local businesses, for businesses to distribute. Local businesses have been purchasing meals from local restaurants and then delivering them to healthcare providers.
“That’s a way to support small businesses but also recognize our heroes,” Cunningham said.
Some businesses quickly shifted their models to serve people’s needs during the pandemic. For example, the handMade Montana store started sewing masks and selling them to community members after the pandemic started.
“Everybody’s done something where they’ve thought outside the box,” Cunningham said. “We need to support our businesses that survived and became creative.”
Some business losses have been offset by federal pandemic assistance. The CARES act provided grants to businesses who continued paying their employees despite closures related to the pandemic. The Polson Chamber of Commerce has also been awarded grants it will use to support local businesses.
Looking forward, the Polson Business Community is planning the annual Cherry Festival. The event will be held July 18 and 19. Cunningham hopes the event will help businesses come back from their pandemic-related challenges.
