West Michigan coalition launches website to help businesses hurt by coronavirus

GR Skyline

A coalition of business associations and local governments on Monday, March 30 announced a new website to support businesses during the coronavirus crisis. Pictured is the JW Marriott and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel along the Grand River (Neil Blake | MLive.com)Neil Blake | MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A coalition of business associations and local governments on Monday announced the launch of a website that provides information to West Michigan businesses and workers who have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.

The website, covidwm.org, was created by the West Michigan COVID-19 Business Coalition. Members include Experience Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and The Right Place.

“This unprecedented situation has created significant operational challenges for many businesses across West Michigan,” Rick Baker, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber, a convening member of the coalition, told MLive Monday, March 30.

“During these times it is crucial to concentrate our efforts on fierce advocacy for business, as well as business sustainability, and work to provide resources to foster a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.”

The website provides information on state and federal legislation, business continuity, employee resources and more. Other members of the coalition include the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, the city of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc., Grand Rapids Urban League, Kent County, National Business League, Inc., Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and West Michigan Works!

“We back West Michigan business,” said Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc. “It’s the lifeblood of our local economy and what makes West Michigan such a great place to live. We know that a strong, vibrant business community will be key to our recovery when our region begins to emerge from this global crisis.”

PREVENTION TIPS

  • Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:
  • What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:
  • Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
  • For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
  • Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).
  • It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

Read more:

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Western Michigan University student dies of coronavirus

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