Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Phelon. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS SUBMITTED PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce has not been immune to the impacts of the coronavirus shutdown.
“It’s been very difficult for chambers of commerce, just like any other business struggling with COVID-19,” said Executive Director Kate Phelon, who added that her staff had to be laid off in April and the Chamber has held no events since December. Phelon estimates that the program revenue from cancelled events, including the March breakfast and events planned in June, is down $20,000 to $30,000.
Although the Chamber is a not-for-profit organization, as a 501(c)(6), the exemption category for business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade and professional football leagues, it has not been eligible for available grants.
Nonetheless, Phelon has spent much of the last few months getting the word out to Chamber members and other area businesses of the grants available to them through the CARES Act, Payroll Protection Program and other sources.
“It was kind of ironic. They wanted the Chamber to get information out to members, but we couldn’t get help. Chamber members and even non-members tapped into the resources and were able to get help with some other grants, too, including Verizon. We’ve been a source for members to get them the information,” Phelon said.
When the city received additional Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for small businesses impacted by the closures, Phelon got on the phone. “I called our members and suggested they apply. They did and they got them. I helped those small businesses get those grants,” she said.
Phelon said it’s not all bad news, however. The Chamber recently hired a new administrative assistant, and several events are planned for the next couple of months, the last for Phelon as Executive Director before she retires in September. A search committee is in place that has reviewed applicants, and will start interviewing this month. Phelon said she will be involved with the selection and onboarding of the new director.
“We’re rebuilding the Chamber office, with new administration, and hiring a new director,” Phelon said.
On Aug. 10, a block party, or rather a “social distancing networking event outdoors,” will be held from 4 to 6 p.m at Results in Wellness at 93 Springfield Road, one of two new Chamber members that recently held ribbon cuttings. ”We’re all going to be wearing our masks,” Phelon said.
The other ribbon cutting was for the new toy store PlayNow on 5 East Silver St., which also joined the Chamber. “It’s really a cute store; all age ranges up to 12-15. It’s adorable. We’re excited to have them in Westfield,” Phelon said.
On Aug. 17, the Chamber will hold its first ticketed Zoom event; a webinar for businesses with Board of Health Director Joseph Rouse, called “Local answers to the state guidelines.”
Tickets to the webinar, which will run from 9 to 10 a.m., are $15 for chamber members and $30 for nonmembers. Phelon said businesses will have direct access to Rouse, and can ask specific questions. She said questions may also be emailed in advance to her, along with reservations, to [email protected].
“The primary purpose is to get all the guidelines by industry. It’s important because everybody has a different set of rules. We can get right down into the weeds,” Phelon said.
The Chamber will also be holding its annual golf tournament at East Mountain Country Club on August 31, its first signature event since the shutdown. Phelon said she anticipates a good turnout and a good event with all social distancing protocols in place.
The Chamber is still accepting foursomes for the golf tournament, and interested parties should call the Chamber office at 413 568-1618 to register. On the day of the tournament at East Mountain Country Club, registration starts at 10 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11 a.m.
Phelon said the golf tournament also offers a great opportunity for people to support a local business by buying a gift card from the business and donating it to the Chamber for a raffle prize.
“We’re looking forward to this, not only for the revenue. People want to do stuff, my members want to network. We’re extremely excited about it,” Phelon said.
The first Mayor’s Coffee Hour since the shutdown is being planned for Monday, Sept. 14 at 8 a.m. under the Pavilion in Stanley Park, with a limit of 75 people.
Phelon said the Fall Breakfast on Sept. 18, another signature event, is also still being planned, with the location to be announced. Sen. Richard Neal is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. This will also be Phelon’s final event, and she is planning to say a few words as well.
Phelon acknowledges that the last few months have been tough, and there is a lot of caution and concern in the business community. “Everybody’s sales were down. Even when they were allowed to open; (there was) such a cost with all the PPE and training of their staff. Time is money. Getting the PPE was really, really a challenge for many businesses,” she said.
“We’re trying to be optimistic, and encourage the members to hang in there. We have to be hopeful. Once they get that vaccine, even if it’s early next year, it’s going to give people a sense of hope. Something is better than nothing. The scientists are working around the clock. We have to be patient, even though everybody’s patience is running a little low. We are going to get through this. It’s kind of like life interrupted,” Phelon said, adding, “The most important thing is to stay healthy.”
