Chesterfield Businesses Ready Themselves to Reopen on May 15, 2020
Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce and Chesterfield County are assisting businesses in working towards a safe and socially distanced reopening for Chesterfield businesses on May 15, 2020, in accordance with the Governor’s Phase One opening guidelines.
“Relaunch Chesterfield” will be working to ensure that the latest information from the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia ABC, and the Governor’s Office is communicated to our businesses with as much clarity and consistency as possible.
Chesterfield County, the Chesterfield Chamber, and numerous partners will strive to guide businesses through the maze of guidelines that will continue to roll out over the next few days and weeks as we navigate through the Governor’s Forward Virginia strategies.
“The purpose of the “Relaunch Chesterfield” initiative is to create a blueprint to prepare businesses for the reopening of the state. We want them to be ahead of that curve. Coming up with industry-specific best practices allows businesses to begin thriving again while still maintaining some measures that are in the best interest of public health,” said Scott Gunn, Business Development Manager for AFC Urgent Care and Chair of the Chesterfield Chamber Board.
“It is because Chesterfield citizens have acted responsibly, respecting public health advice, that we have been able to limit the spread of COVID-19, keep localized outbreaks within the capacity of our health-care system, and now take the next incremental steps to reopen some businesses and services. We will move forward together with care and common sense, knowing tough times are still ahead,” said Leslie Haley, Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Chair.
“I’m confident Chesterfield businesses and citizens will approach Phase One reopening with the same adaptability and resilience they have shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to work collaboratively with our business community to support, and not hinder, their efforts and ensure that everyone is succeeding safely, within the guidelines, through this relaunch,” said Joe Casey, County Administrator.
“Police authority should always serve as a failsafe – a last resort. Law enforcement won’t get us through this recovery; the burden of a healthy and measured return to normal rests upon each of us as members of this community to conduct ourselves with love, mutual respect, kindness, and compassion. That’s the collective force that will successfully ensure we emerge from this challenging time stronger than ever,” said Police Chief Jeffrey Katz.
“Reopening Chesterfield safely is necessary as small businesses, that makeup nearly 85% of our economy, are fighting for survival. Providing guidance directly to the small business to help maintain compliance is critical as they navigate these uncharted times. County officials have been steadfast in their support for business in helping them see a path forward,” said Danielle Fitz-Hugh, Chesterfield Chamber President and CEO.
“We can do this, and do this well, so long as we commit to kindness, understanding, flexibility, creativity and most importantly, informed and fair decision making,” said Mindy Flanigan, Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer of inspiringHR.
Businesses can stay abreast of the resources, guideline updates, and new programs as they navigate this next step forward by continuing to visit the Chesterfield County COVID-19 resource page at www.chesterfield.gov/coronavirus. For more information, visit www.relaunchchesterfield.com.
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About Chesterfield Economic Development: Chesterfield Economic Development works on a free and confidential basis with domestic and foreign companies planning to establish new facilities, relocate existing facilities, or expand current facilities. The department also assists existing businesses and industries already located in Chesterfield with any business-related issues. CED staff members will assist with site selection requirements, information and research needs, public relations and relocation services, small business issues, or streamlining regulatory processes.
About Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce: To be the champion for the business community, fostering growth and development, transformational relationships, and a thriving environment in Chesterfield County. To learn more about our organization and how we can be “Your Key to Business” please visit www.chesterfieldchamber.com or call 804-748-6364.
