Approved May 12, 2020

RESOLUTION OF THE GREATER UTICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTING LOCAL LEADERSHIP IN THEIR EFFORTS TO RE-OPEN THE REGIONAL ECONOMY

WHEREAS; the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) necessitated extraordinary measures to contain the infection rate among the general population; and

WHEREAS; these extraordinary measures included the furloughing of thousands of employees and the temporary closures of numerous businesses within the Mohawk Valley Region and across New York State; and

WHEREAS; there is a growing number of businesses, both large and small, in the region that are finding it extremely difficult or impossible to remain solvent during the period of closure; and

WHEREAS; some businesses, especially in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, among others, have already announced they will not be able to re-open and will remain closed for good; and

WHEREAS; the longer the regional economy remains under lockdown, the more difficult it will be for small or larger businesses to recover thus increasing the number of businesses closing forever;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; that the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce supports local leadership in their efforts to re-open the regional economy as expeditiously as practical and in a manner that is consistent with safety guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local officials;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce recognizes it is incumbent on all businesses to follow best practices to implement all appropriate precautions to create safe environments for their employees and customers, and strongly urges all businesses to fulfill that responsibility to the best of their abilities.