LAC LA BICHE - The president of the Lac La Biche and District Chamber of Commerce is hoping to send out a series of messages to area businesses in the coming weeks to offer links to resources, hope to those challenged by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic - and perhaps a little incentive for the business community to change its mindset.
"Let's learn that this is the new normal," says Paul McLeod in an open letter to local businesses and community members he shared on his social media page over the weekend. "We, as business owners need to communicate with our customers, find new clients, and learn how to deal with the public in a new way."
The adaptations are vital during the continuing pandemic situation, but change will also be needed once the economic sectors and communities return to whatever normal life will be after the COVID crisis is reduced. McLeod wants to get local businesses ready for the other side.
"I am looking to get people talking and thinking. I am hoping for (a) mindset where people will be willing to learn about what change can mean and how we can get there," McLeod told the Lac La Biche POST on Saturday.
In an information piece the chamber boss released onto social media late last week, he addressed local business owners, telling them that preparation for any outcome is important.
"You are probably concerned for the impact the current pandemic will have on your business. No one can answer to that yet - but you can prepare," he advised, pulling no punches with the devastation that the pandemic has had, and will continue to have on local economies. "Accept the likelihood that this is going to cost you."
McLeod who has operated construction businesses in Alberta's northeast for decades, said business owners need to focus on the horizon, not necessarily on the immediate challenges.
"Your focus needs to be three to six months out . . . that's the gap before us, and even if we haven't levelled out by that time, we should have a better understanding of economic conditions by then," he notes.
Understanding that some local businesses may not be able to withstand the effects of office closures and revenue shortfalls for anywhere near that timeframe, McLeod says governmental subsidy plans are available, and he encourages struggling business owners to explore them.
Get help before it's too late
"If you are able, arrange for short-term financing," said McLeod, encouraging business owners to speak to small business advisors at their financial institutions for guidance.
Short term lines of credit or bridge financing may be an option along with the government offerings. There are options, says McLeod — but they can only help if they are used.
"Above all else, do not apply for help the day before you need the cash to operate," he warned.
McLeod hopes to send out a series of helpful advice to regional businesses and community members. In an effort to get the information to a wider audience, McLeod's full message has been shared to the Lac La Biche POST's Facebook page here.
Working together
The Chamber's efforts coincide with a push from Lac La Biche County's economic development department in recent weeks to bring local businesses together. Recent online conferences have been set up by municipal staff to hear concerns and ideas from local business owners, industrial representatives, service organizations and local politicians. The idea is to create a plan of action for local businesses while keeping lines of communication open between local businesses and the municipal offices.
That kind of local partnership and collaboration is essential, Lac La Biche County councillor Colin Cote sees the importance of community businesses working together. He also sees the downside of what happens when they don't.
"We're in this together. It becomes a race to the bottom if we all start competing against each other," he said during one of the recent online sessions. "We have to be unified."
Lac La Biche County's economic development manager Jana Rowe says more of the virtual conferences are planned to start again this week. Check the Lac La Biche POST facebook page and www.LakelandToday.ca for details on the events.
