Lancaster Chamber President and CEO Tom Baldridge PHOTO/LANCASTER CHAMBER WEBSITE
Lancaster Chamber officials announced a series of postponements of chamber gatherings as business leaders wade in “uncharted waters” caused by the coronavirus.
Tom Baldridge, Lancaster Chamber president and CEO, told business leaders in a March 12 letter that fear cannot “get in the way of commerce,” and encouraged companies to embrace supporting local businesses in their hour of uncertainty.
“We fully recognize that this unfolding situation has everyone anxious,” Baldridge said. “Yet, again, I ask that you be guided by facts and do your part to promote calm and, quite frankly, commerce.”
The chamber president called off a March 18 meeting with Congressman Lloyd Smucker “likely rescheduled for August.” A March Mixer slated for the same day was been rescheduled for May 13. However, Baldridge said the chamber anticipates the Annual Dinner scheduled for May 21 will proceed.
The chamber is hosting a webinar scheduled for March 18 at 9 a.m., during which three local attorneys will share workplace legal concerns surrounding the virus and take questions, Baldridge said.
Baldridge encouraged chamber members to support local businesses and find alternatives to standard day-to-day practices. Rather than hosting a staff party, he said businesses can have caterers make to-go meals for employees to enjoy at home, for example. Or swing by Penn Cinema for popcorn if families are planning to have a movie night.
“If there was a time for the business community to think about the community’s business, now is that time!” he said.
