WE'RE ZOOMIN'!
Register for TOMORROW'S (virtual) Coffee Connection
We want to see YOU!
We like keepin' tabs on everyone so we are hosting another VIRTUAL Coffee Connection! These virtual check-ins are our "new normal" for now, so grab a cup of joe and join us!
 
It will take place NEXT TUESDAY May 12th from 8 - 9 am.

FUN FACT: The photo above is from the April virtual Coffee Connection!
 
Registration is required, and you only need your name and email address to sign up. Once you've registered you will be emailed a link to join. It's that easy!
 
We will go "around the room" and have everyone introduce themselves and touch base with one another. Yay!
Register for This Wednesday's Free Webinar
The 'Real Time Solutions' Webinar Series Continues!
The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Lakeville, Burnsville, Hastings and River Heights Chambers is excited to continue the 'Real Time Solutions' webinar series! These are complimentary Live 30-minute webinars to help your business navigate the questions, and new normal, related to the COVID-19 epidemic.

ABOUT WEDNESDAY'S TOPIC
Speaker: John Edman | Director of Explore MN
John will be joining us for an interactive conversation about the State of Minnesota's tourism industry, both now and in the coming months.
 
AV CHAMBER NOTE: With tourism being so important to Apple Valley as home to the MN Zoo, Apple Valley Chamber President Ed Kearney will be moderating next Wednesday's webinar with John Edman, Director of Explore MN (the state tourism office).
Webinar Series Information
(All Webinars are 30 Minutes Long)
Wednesday May 6 | 8 am
CONCLUDED
Readying Your Retail Operation
Bruce will give us information about how the retail industry can get back to work and be successful in this new era of COVID-19 awareness and preparedness.

Wednesday May 13 | 8 am
THIS WEDNESDAY
The State of Tourism in the COVID-19 Era
John will be joining us for an interactive conversation about the state of MN's tourism now and in the coming months. This will follow more of a Q & A format.
Moderated by Apple Valley Chamber President Ed Kearney.

Update Your Google Business Profile
Provide Your Customers With The Most
Accurate & Up-To-Date Information
If your business is affected by COVID-19, update your Google My Business profile to provide the most accurate information to your customers. You can provide updates about your business to customers such as:

  • Your adjusted hours of operation, for instance if you close early.
  • If your business services are experiencing delays.
  • Extra services you are providing for the community.
  • If your business is "Temporarily closed".

The updates will show on your Business Profile on Google Search and Maps.
Marking your business “Temporarily closed” won't affect local search ranking and it will be treated similar to open businesses. Businesses offering pickup or delivery services should not mark the business “Temporarily closed,” otherwise those services won't show on Google. 

Important: Google may review your changes for quality before they publish them. The changes may not immediately be available on Google Search and Maps. Learn more about limited Google My Business functionality due to COVID-19.

Grow with Google has information for businesses to learn how to operate during times of uncertainty with resources such as online courses, live streams, and tips for other Google products. In this video tutorial , learn how to update your profile, communicate with posts, and add remote managers to your account.

To make sure your customers have the latest information:
1. Update your business hours
2. Add a COVID-19 update post to your profile
3. Connect with your customers
4. Edit your business description
5. Hours & services disclaimer
6. Use attributes to highlight dining and shopping options
7. Recommendations for healthcare providers
8. Keep a pulse on the new normal with help from Google

Temporary closures:
You can now mark your business “Temporarily closed” on Google. Google also relies on authoritative data sources, where available, to mark certain types of places as "Temporarily Closed" on Google Search and Google Maps.

Tip: If a business is marked “Temporarily closed,” attributes for both dining and retail establishments won’t surface on Google Search and Maps. If your business still operates through takeout or delivery, you should not mark it as "Temporarily closed."
In Other News...
Keller Williams to Take Donations for The Open Door
The Keller Williams Realty office in Apple Valley will be collecting donations in their parking lot THIS THURSDAY from 3 - 5:30 pm. All items donated will go to The Open Door Pantry. Below is the information on the most needed items. Places like The Open Door and 360 Communities need donations now more than ever, please donate if you can.
Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce | info@applevalleychamber.com