EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine May 2020 | Page 18

LEADING IN A TIME OF CRISIS:
A Q&A with
Nancy Keefer
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE DAYTONA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Nancy Keefer, president and CEO of the Daytona
Regional Chamber of Commerce, shared her thoughts
on the impact of Covid-19, the response thus far and
the way forward.
#1 - How would you describe the impact of COVID-19 on
the business community? The COVID-19 pandemic has been a
major disruption to businesses of all sizes but especially to small
businesses that typically run on smaller profit margins. As an
area heavily reliant on tourism, this has been especially hard for
those in the hospitality business sector. While the direct impacts
are easy to see, it’s the ancillary impact of the unknown and
uncertainty that has further reaching affects.
#2 - How has the Chamber supported the business
community during this pandemic? We have consistently
provided updated information and relevant resources on all
aspects of the pandemic through our COVID-19 resource page,
which was up and running on March 16. We pivoted immediately
to virtual training and meetings and have increased our outreach
to all businesses. We have advocated for funding and reduced
regulations to help businesses survive in a rapidly changing
environment. Providing access to elected and appointed officials
and agency experts through virtual meetings has been very well
received and are on our website for viewing at any time.
#3 - What advice do you have for small businesses
struggling to survive? Continue to rely on your professional
advisors; your bankers, accountants and consultants to talk you
through the obstacles you are facing. You are not alone and are
surrounded with people who care about your success. Think
about partnering with other businesses that compliment your
product or service. Look at different ways to promote your
business using social media, display safety signage indicating
your commitment to the health of the community and utilize
customer testimonials. Keep an open mind that business as you
knew it, will be different for months, if not years to come. All
businesses regardless of size need to be very intentional about
making their employees and customers see that they are taking
the necessary steps to provide a safe environment for all.
#4 - In your view, how pervasive and inclusive has the
impact of CARES, PPP and other Disaster Relief been on our
businesses? To compete globally for funding was daunting to say
the least. The process of applying for stimulus relief was difficult
and those that didn’t receive the funding had to deal with the
emotion of not getting a lifeline to continue business. There
is no doubt this has been an additional strain on businesses.
Many businesses were successful in working with local lending
institutions and their accountants, who worked-nonstop to help
businesses navigate the systems.
#5 - What additional steps do you like to feel Florida
and local governments need to take to support the business
community? It’s going to take more localized public-private
partnerships to assist businesses through this disruption of
business. The City of Daytona Beach has led the way with
offering discounts on city water bills and waivers of permit fees.
Volusia County is considering a grant program for PPE. We have
suggested relaxing some of the standard rules for signage and
outdoor seating for a few months. The cities and the county have
been very accessible and have participated in regular discussions
with the chamber on how to help businesses navigate through
continued social distancing and health related requirements.
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