By Lucretia Hudzinski
Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
For now, the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is being run on volunteer fuel. Having to close the physical office to visitors and not being eligible for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the chamber needed to rely on its volunteers for survival and to keep the members connected.
Tuesday Morning Zoom still continues to connect local businesses, and volunteers have put into action virtual ribbon cuttings, Net-Learning and Friday Fun Days. The chamber also hosted two Zoom meetings with Assemblyman Al Stirpe, who is head of the New York State Assembly’s Standing Committee on Small Business. With the Membership Wednesday showcase, the chamber has even branched out into Facebook Live, featuring a new chamber member each week.
Through all the Zoom calls and phone calls, the chamber has learned there are businesses out there struggling, but pivoting and doing well for their community during the coronavirus pandemic.
Susan Farnsworth, a member of the chamber’s marketing committee, presented the idea of the Quarantine Champion Award to recognize members who are persevering through these uncertain times.
Each nominee was asked the following questions:
• What unique needs or challenges among your customers, employees, or in the community were you faced with?
• How did you respond to the needs of one or all of these groups as a champion?
• Did you follow up or observe the outcome?
Winners were recognized at a Friday Zoom meeting and were interviewed for Facebook Live on the Liverpool Chamber Facebook. You can see these videos at facebook.com/GreaterLiverpoolChamber/.
“I hope this is our first and only award of this kind,” said Robert Just, chair of the marketing committee.
For more information about Chamber membership and events go to liverpoolchamber.com.
Read on to meet the chamber’s Quarantine Champions.
Barbara Stone: Build Your Path
Barbara Stone is a personal and professional development coach who offers one-on-one consulting as well as guest speaking and training services.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Stone has offered her services to the chamber through her Zoom account, hosting Tuesday Morning Coffee each Tuesday at 8 a.m. and presenting a Net-Learning experience for chamber members via Zoom.
She participates in COVID Connector 2020, a network of coaches and motivational speakers around the world who offer their time and expertise to frontline workers in need of support.
Stone is a member of the Women’s Fund of CNY Leadership Council.
Howie Mansfield: King of Kings Lutheran Church
Worship services on Sunday mornings are the life and breath of King of Kings’ ministry. Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman came on board March 8 and used to broadcast her former church’s services via Facebook, but King of Kings had not.
Volunteer Howie Mansfield is on the tech team and rose to the occasion. Even though he has a full-time job, suddenly his spare time was filled with producing and broadcasting full worship services on Zoom, Facebook and using PowerPoint slides from his home. Mansfield has done this this every weekend since March. Now the congregation can enjoy full worship services while in quarantine.
James McEntire: Blueprint for Selling
Business coach James McEntire came up with the idea of Tuesday Morning Coffee with the Chamber at 8 a.m. every Tuesday. Each week, McEntire facilitates communication among chamber members about challenging business questions and allows everyone on the call to help brainstorm solutions for the participants. His favorite question when he meets you is “What is your biggest challenge?”
McEntire is a longtime member of the Greater Liverpool Chamber and has served as a volunteer, presenter, coordinator and more.
When the pandemic hit, McEntire had to pivot his business and find diverse avenues to stay open, which included social media.
Along with his friend Lee Livermore, McEntire helped to put together Net-Learning, where participants networked and got to know each other and also listened and participated in a program of learning.
People still continue to virtually attend those Tuesday Morning Coffees. This is a testimony for keeping these meaningful and helping each other through these tough times. This morning coffee is priceless.
Runners-up
The chamber also would like to recognize the following businesses:
• Verilife continued to find unique ways to serve their clients and donated $4.20 from every qualifying transaction to a healthcare organization for healthcare workers in the frontlines.
• Charles Signs pivoted what they were doing to form “Signs for Our Times,” which provides signs honoring healthcare workers, first responders and local heroes. Charles Signs also continues to produce necessary signage for businesses, healthcare facilities and restaurants.
• DRT Data Solutions transformed their business during the pandemic, helping other businesses with their social media and online presence. DRT’s Database and Audience Growth Specialist Bill Herloski is a valuable volunteer of the chamber.
