For Arthur Havlicek, it has almost turned into a trial-by-fire. The coronavirus pandemic has come very early in his tenure as President of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, but he has been solidly up to the task. He rapidly deployed his Buy Local Berrien Facebook page that has dramatically helped many small business enterprises keep themselves in front of customers and clients, and has teamed with other local leaders repeatedly on multiple fronts.
Now, he’s urging “a more measured approach” to the pandemic response, arguing that the state needs to cease implementing restrictions predicated on the essential-vs-non-essential battle lines in favor of guidelines based on work activities that are safe vs. unsafe.
Havlicek says, “Our Chamber has been listening to the feedback of our members and closely watching the economic implications these orders have had on our area,” and adds, “We agree on the importance of continuing our social distancing practices to slow the spread of COVID-19 but believe a more measured approach can be taken to avoid long-term damage to Southwest Michigan’s economy.”
Yesterday, Governor Whitmer extended the current “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order (E.O. 2020-42) until April. 30th. To the dismay of many, that order put new restrictions on individuals and businesses. Stores that are allowed to remain open must cease selling items deemed non-essential and close off the areas of the store dedicated to those items. Furthermore, the new order includes a provision that restricts the advertising or promotion of non-essential goods, and now prohibits all non-essential travel.
Havlicek contends, “Many of our Southwest Michigan businesses deemed unessential are able to safely operate within social distancing guidelines,” and urges, “We need a plan for getting Michiganders back on their feet so they can resume earning a living for their family.”
Havlicek was encouraged by the legislature’s recent steps towards developing that plan, including the Michigan Senate’s “Safe Behavior for Safe Workplaces” workgroup and the Michigan House Republican’s Small Business Task Force. He was also glad to hear state Rep. Pauline Wendzel was appointed to the latter.
The chamber exec says, “These are positive steps towards moving Michigan beyond its current one-size fits all approach,” and adds, “I want to assure our members we will do all we can to ensure the voice of Southwest Michigan businesses will be heard throughout this process.”
Havlicek concludes, “We are appreciative of the Governor’s efforts to protect public health and remain committed to working with her and her legislative counterparts in getting Michigan safely back to work as soon as possible.”
