By EMILY WILSON
Special to Atmore News
The following notice was set from the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, July 1.
After careful consideration and consulting with our members, trustees, community leaders, and healthcare professionals regarding the health and safety of everyone, the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has made the difficult decision in the best interest of our members and our community to cancel all events currently planned through the end of September 2020. The immediate impacts of this decision include Business After Hours (BA5) (7/9), Mayfest (8/1), Questions with the Candidate (8/7), Business After Hours (BA5) (8/13), Evening in White (8/22), Atmore Job Fair (9/3), and Taste of The South (9/17).
The decision comes in response to increased cases in our area and the guidance by the CDC, World Health Organization, and Alabama Public Health Department, all of which encourage large gatherings to be postponed to minimize transmission of the virus. We are a community first, and second a group dedicated to promoting the Atmore Area’s business, economic, and cultural environment. Our top priority is the health and safety of our community and their loved ones, therefore the Board of Directors felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. It is our belief that this decision, and similar decisions being made by other organizations and governments throughout the country help “flatten the curve” of new infections – and is the best way to ensure the Atmore area can continue to recover.
We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold the events for our community. However, we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today. We are a business community and know the past few months have had serious financial impacts on countless individuals and businesses in the Atmore Area. Whether you are an employee, employer, or entrepreneur, this has not been an easy time. We also know that these situations make chambers of commerce that much more important, and we encourage you to find ways to support each other through the crisis and after the threat has lessened. Conduct business with members whenever possible and find ways to support our community. Please check in on friends and colleagues and show consideration, compassion, and kindness to all.
Emily Wilson is executive director of the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce.