Hello Partners,
Hard to know where to start, but to say these have been challenging times for many of us may be an understatement. The good news is we are in phase 2 and eagerly look for phase 3 to start towards the end of June!
Please know that YOUR chamber has been working hard for you during this pandemic. Guiding information to you daily, facilitating pro-active programs and being diligent in maintaining a level of connectedness to our community, we have been busy.
The Chamber-Sponsored food delivery service program that benefits our local restaurants in supporting our local hospitals, non-profits, food pantry and soup kitchen has been very successful. Aiding both those in need and creating an additional revenue stream for our restaurants. We have continued to sponsor our general membership meetings through zoom and hope by September we may be able to start hosting face-to-face ones!
The office has been open, albeit not our standard number of hours, but still 5 days a week. We have raised over $2,000 from our raffle and will be receiving a stipend from the SBA EIDL. These monies will aid in keeping the Chamber going and paying essential costs.
There is hope that in September we will still have a ‘Dragon Boat Race Festival’ scheduled for the 19th. The festival will most likely be on a smaller scale, with the emphasis on the racing teams.
The summer of 2020 is not all lost, though not the banner season we were ALL prepared for, but nevertheless if will be salvaged! There will be activity and businesses will start recouping their losses and a brighter fall season we will all look for. The Chamber is here and your resource to continually help you through these unprecedented times.
Be well and safe,
Thank you,
Mary Joy Pipe
President – Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Owner of The East End Shirt Company * Proud Member of our Chamber since 1979