Harry Kunselman’s Government Affairs article
With all the negativity surrounding he COVID-19, in the limited space available on this insert, the Chamber wanted to focus on some of the shining moments in Beaver County amidst the crisis. By no means comprehensive, following are some “Silver Linings:”
Statistical Victories. Because Beaver Countians exercised social responsibility, many areas have avoided or minimized infection. Six zip codes in Beaver County had zero confirmed cases. Twelve zip codes had 10 or fewer. As of May 22, 2020, of the 539 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the County, 72% of them are confined to residents or employees of long-term care facilities. This is not to minimize the tragic effects on those impacted in these facilities; but it is worth celebrating the successes outside these facilities.
Charity. Hard times can bring out the best in people. Through the United Way and other agencies, tens of thousands of dollars have supported local food programs. Shell has generously donated to organizations in need, including a program by Shell employees for care packages for lower income families. These efforts spawned other support for these care packages, including from such donors as the Highmark Caring Place, Serv Pro of West Beaver County, Walmart, Aliquippa Giant Eagle, the Beaver County Association of Realtors, Beverly and Philip Pietrandrea, Beaver Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Alec & Helen Kissick, Spanos Group of Raymond James, and Design Inspirations, to name only a few. In the coming weeks, you will hear more about this program, including the names of other donors. Anyone wanting to support this effort should contact the Chamber office at 724-775-3944. Many thanks to all who support such agencies as the United Way, Beaver County YMCA, Meals on Wheels, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, the Salvation Army, the Hugh Lane Foundation, and many more, all to relieve distress among those impacted most severely.
Good Government. Local officials have been nimble and proactive to manage the crisis. As examples, the Courthouse has operated safely throughout the crisis, providing essential government services, including critical court operations. So far, the jail has no confirmed cases– a remarkable accomplishment given the inherent risks of the facility. The Community Development Program and the Corporation for Economic Development partnered to create a small business assistance program. Our Beaver County state legislators have all been advocating zealously for Beaver County in Harrisburg, and our U.S. Congressman and Senators have been highly responsive to local needs. It has been refreshing to see partisanship largely take a back seat to overcoming this crisis.
Support for Businesses. Thanks to a tremendous staff, the Chamber created a COVID-19 resource page on its web site at www.beavercountychamber.com and remains open to assist businesses with navigating the crisis and saving jobs. The Beaver County banking community has been an unsung hero helping businesses and individuals to access life-sustaining funding. NBC News Now will feature Beaver County businesses in forthcoming coverage, hopefully attracting people to Beaver County as a place to live and work. WBVP & WMBA (99.3 FM) have publicized the Chamber’s resource guide made available by My Benefit Advisor to help businesses to prepare for reopening. These and other efforts are paving the way to emerging from the crisis and restoring prosperity.
Future Wins: We encourage the community to stay tuned for more announcements from the Chamber in support of the community in the coming weeks. As examples:
- In coordination with Don Williams from TAB Pittsburgh North, the Chamber will launch 3 sessions to help business owners to strengthen their businesses under stressful circumstances;
- The Chamber has been meeting with key stakeholders in the event planning/management business to prepare for a restart of that sector of the economy. Please contact the Chamber if you want to learn more and join this group. It is open to members and non-members alike;
- The Chamber is working with the Beaver County Regional Council of Governments (COG), Beaver Underground, Brkich Design, Paramount Pursuits, Beaver County Tourism and Minuteman Press to make available a shared database for all retailers open for business. This will launch very soon and will underpin a marketing campaign to help retail businesses to get back on their feet in Beaver County.
These are but a few examples of the winning spirit of Beaver County. The Chamber salutes the private and public sector alike for dedicating themselves to overcoming this crisis. We urge everyone to keep their resolve so that Beaver County can emerge stronger than ever.