During this trying and frightening time, GSSCC thanks and salutes all of our member businesses that are doing their utmost to protect the safety and health of their customers and clients, employees, and the greater Silver Spring community.

We are quickly learning, however, that businesses doing the right thing need more than our thanks and admiration. They need help, patience, understanding and even more - not only from the County, State, and Federal officials promulgating COVID-19 policies, but also from other businesses having significant influence on their ability to navigate through all of this: think banks, landlords, suppliers, and others.

GSSCC is joining with our fellow chambers to approach County and State officials to ensure businesses are provided with the protections, safety net, time, and flexibility during and following this extraordinary, unprecedented response to a public health threat.

To do so, we ask that you please email Jane Redicker ASAP - and not later than this Wednesday, March 18 - your situation and specific, COVID-19 response-related business concerns. In your email, please answer this two-part question:

(1) What specific steps have you taken (or do you plan to take) in response to government-issued, coronavirus-related policies, regulations and orders?

(2) As you take these actions, what financial ramifications do you foresee or anticipate, with respect to regulators (government), lenders (bank), place of business (landlord), suppliers (vendor), or others?

As you send us your information, please know we will respect you and your business' identity and confidentiality as we collect your concerns, turn those concerns into specific policy "asks," take them to County and State authorities, and get you the help you need and deserve.

Here are examples of GSSCC members' concerns we've already heard:

* I'm in a business that has been ordered to close as of tonight. I don't know how long this will be. I understand that my employees who are paid hourly will be able to apply for unemployment. Because of this,  I fear that my unemployment insurance costs are going to go through the roof, absent any action from the State of Maryland.

* The Governor ordered that utilities cannot shut off service to residents during this time. What about my business?  And, if I can't be open for customers, how will I pay my rent?  Is the Governor going to extend those protections to me?

GSSCC members - we want to do everything we can to help make your concerns known to our government officials in the wake of the extraordinary situation in which we find ourselves. Help us help you by sharing what you fear will be the financial ramifications of these decisions, and how you believe policymakers and regulators can help blunt those effects.

Thanks for sharing your story - confidentiality assured - to jredicker@gsscc.org by Wednesday, March 18.