Recovering from the pandemic

Third in a series of blogs from the recently Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.  Today topic - Recovering from the pandemic.

QUESTION #2: Since some sectors of Utah’s economy have been decimated like tourism and others, how do you propose we go about helping these businesses and organizations?

1. First, we probably need to continue financial supports, such as loans and direct subsidies, to individuals and businesses that have been hard hit by covid-19. We probably need more of both of the “get-through-this” and the “transform-what-you-are-doing kinds of assistance”. We should try very hard to keep financial supports simple and easy to understand, apply for, and manage. We should take care that the small and the rural are not left out.​
   
2. Second, Community organizations play big roles in keeping people and businesses above water. You, Cache Chamber, are one example, by making resources on covid available to help your community. And we have many other examples here. Community organizations play big roles in Utah governance and well-being. They may need access to public funds as well, as public funds are directed to covid relief.
   
3. Finally, the state and the county can advertise and promote businesses that have found covid-safe ways to operate. Our big outdoors has been great for covid safety, and outdoor activities have been very popular this year. We could promote this in our tourism materials, maps, and travel apps and focus on bringing in people who will travel if they feel safe. We can promote “clean, safe, outdoor fun in Utah”. We could also promote businesses that can meet safety measures such as voluntary cleaning, air circulation, outdoor dining, or take-out options. We could include businesses along motor routes, as road travel will likely be more important than air travel for a while. Promotion of a covid-safe location and activities also applies to other innovations here in the valley – we have good examples in music, museums, and others.