COVID-19 - What You Need to Know TODAY
May 5, 2020
Recent Updates that May Affect YOUR Business
IMPORTANT UPDATES
Don’t forget that today the Williamson County Commissioners Court will be reviewing the WILCO Forward Application & Process which is the last step before the WILCO Forward Small Business Grant Program will be allowed to go online. We will be watching the Commissioners Court and will send out a special email as soon as we have information to share.

FEDERAL & STATE UPDATES FOR BUSINESS
The latest information coming from the Census Bureau shows orders for manufactured goods fell more than 10% in March. Consumers and businesses also cut spending on manufactured goods, as stay-at-home orders began, and unemployment has grown. The concern coming from the release by the Census Bureau is that the data for April, once it comes out in June, will likely show an even bigger drop than March because the “Great Pause” extended the entire month of April.

The U.S. Chamber sent a letter to Congress urging to extend relief to local civic groups, trade associations, business associations and other non-profits so they can continue to provide important, community-minded services. A coalition of 3,739 organizations, including the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce, signed on to this letter. Local non-profits contribute a vital role in our community, and we were proud to sign on to this letter.

According to a Texas Association of Business (TAB) Survey, revenue remains the top concern for 86% of businesses during the pandemic. About 43% of businesses reported that their revenue has remained the same over last week, while 57% reported a decrease in revenue. This is a weekly survey that TAB puts out and allows the us to view the results from a business-oriented standpoint. To participate in the survey, please CLICK HERE .

WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Last week, Williamson County followed suite with the State of Texas and allowed the Stay-Home Stay-Safe Order to expire. While Williamson County businesses have opened, the county has decided that they will continue to operate on a limited capacity through the month of May.

As a preventative measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), county offices and departments will continue to provide services in a way that limits in-person interactions including scheduling appointments, working remotely, and conducting business via telephone, email, mail, using technology and drop box services until June 1, 2020. For more information CLICK HERE .

LEANDER ISD
Leander ISD release Episode 7 of Let’s Learn with Bruce & Friends yesterday. The show features a special guest host. In the episode we learned a lot last week about potential graduation scenarios, retrieving students’ belongings from school and access to technology. They walked through the “hot topics” concerning parents and students. Through watching and your comments, the district can see how much you care about the district community. To view, CLICK HERE .

CHILDCARE INFORMATION
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area has a Childcare Portal for Parents in Need of Childcare Options . This childcare portal is available to parents free of charge. Early care and education is important to the development of children, but it is also important to our local economy. Workers who need to get back to their jobs, need a safe place to take their child while school does not go back until the fall. While many have made plans for the summer, we still have 30 or more days until those plans may have been available for people. Be sure to check it out HERE .

IN CLOSING TODAY
As we are in the start of a new week and new month, we are closing in on the 60-day mark since this has impacted many of our lives. Remember that we are your Chamber of Commerce and your business advocate. If there is something you need an answer to and don’t know who to ask, give us a call or email. Many times, we may know the answer. At the very least, we should know who you could call to get the answer. Remember that we are working on your behalf so you can get your business back up and running. Let us know how we can help!
Be safe and be kind to one another!




Tony Moline, IOM, PCED
President & CEO
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the need caused by COVID-19. Community members can show their generosity in a variety of ways during #GivingTuesdayNow--whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts. People all around the world are coming together to tap into the power of human connection and strengthen communities at the grassroots level. Will you be one of them?
Digital Marketing Strategies
Marketing Tips to Grow Your Business Through Pinterest

Why should I use Pinterest for my business? If you are thinking Pinterest is only for girls planning their wedding or the stay at home mom looking for ideas to keep her kids busy, you are wrong. Not only is Pinterest the fourth most popular social media platform in the US, outranking Twitter, LinkedIn, and Snapchat, it also has a very strong global footprint.

People are using Pinterest more and more every day. Last year Pinterest increased users by 28 %. With visual search on the rise, Pinterest is the only social media platform that offers visual search as of now. This is crucial in a world were people are starting to ignore the verbiage and are intrigued more by images. People use Pinterest for shopping, inspiration, and help. Studies have shown that 77% of weekly users on Pinterest regularly discover new brands and products that they end up buying. This week we will be going over business tips and strategies for Pinterest to help drive traffic to your business. 

1.Create Captivating Content
On Pinterest images speak volumes. In one Pinterest study it showed that 85% of pinners place more importance on images than the text This does not mean you should slack off on the content. A great pin has the following items:
  • Vertical imagery. 85% of pinners are on their smart phone. Shoot or format all images to a 2:3 ratio. This will help prevent the image from getting cut off.
  • Descriptive Copy. This is where your teaser lines go! Make them short and sweet.
  • Text Overlay.
  • Tasteful Branding. Do not forget to include your logo on your image somewhere.
  • Good Storytelling. Between the image and description you should be able to tell a story that hooks them.

2.Pin Consistency
Just like an Eblast or Blog marketing, you need to be consistent. The more consistent you are the more you are going to get out of Pinterest but, you need to stick with it. Pinterest recommends at least pinning one pin a day. Pinning regularly does ensure your content will be seen and reach a wider audience.