Concerned about the undeniable impact on the local economy resulting from the Governor’s executive order temporarily closing dine-in services at all bars, restaurants and various other public spaces in response to the cornonavirus COVID-19 outbreak, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has launched a series of efforts aimed at supporting local businesses throughout the rapidly evolving situation. 
On Facebook, the Chamber has launched a Buy Local Berrien! campaign. That Facebook group and corresponding hashtag of #buylocalberrien have been created as a way to streamline local businesses’ ability to share any services, needs, or promotions they’d like to get the word out about to the community. Any postings made on the Facebook page will also be featured on the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber’s website.
Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber says, “While crucial to slow the spread of the virus, it’s undeniable that our small businesses are hurting from social distancing policies being implemented and events being cancelled.” He adds, “Our hope with Buy Local Berrien! is to inspire the community to rally behind our local businesses and share the many safe and creative ways we can still support and bring revenue in for them.”
The Chamber encourages Southwest Michigan residents to do the following while on Facebook:
- Use the #BuyLocalBerrien hashtag;
- Share the Buy Local Berrien! Facebook Group;
- Tag a local business in need of some extra help right now; and
- Share any services, needs, or promotions that you or a business you know is looking for help getting the word out about.
The Chamber also encourages residents to support their local small business from home by:
- Buying from their website, Instagram, Facebook, Etsy page, etc;
- Buying a gift card from any local business or restaurant that offers one; and
- Ordering takeout or curbside pickup from local restaurants or shops that offer it.
Additionally, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has included a COVID-19 Resource page to their website that will be updated with information from federal, state, and local sources to help educate citizens and business owners on how to prepare for and address the impacts of the novel Coronavirus. Most importantly, it will include links to resources meant to provide relief to struggling businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citizens and business owners can visit the link below to learn more:
http://www.smrchamber.com/covid-19-resources
Havlicek stresses that your business need not be a member of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber to take advantage of Buy Local Berrien! or the other COVID-19 resources listed on the Chamber’s website.
He points out, “Our Chamber’s goal is to ensure the health of employees and continued, safe operation of business in here Southwest Michigan,” and concludes, “Our services are available to any business that needs them throughout this outbreak.”
Here’s a link to the Buy Local Berrien! Facebook Group:
