It was a year of uncertainty and adaptation for many Weyburn businesses in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Early on, non-essential businesses were forced to close their doors as mandated by the government. As restrictions loosened, and as businesses re-opened their doors, they were met with the challenge of adjusting their operations by utilizing personal protective measures,” said Twila Walkeden, manager of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce.
“Weyburn businesses navigated through all these massive changes and uncertainty with the resilience that we know they possess. Within the second half of the year, businesses navigated their way through the challenges of the pandemic and sought supports from the government in order to maintain their level of service to consumers. Throughout 2020, we saw determination, focus and compliance shown by our local businesses, which makes the Chamber proud and encouraged.”
One of the highlights of the year for the Weyburn Chamber was how businesses had worked together to withstand the headwinds of the pandemic.
“Many collaborated in innovative ways to access personal protective equipment in order to save money. Others focused on their business so they could provide curbside and touchless pickup for their customers,” said Walkeden.
It was also great to see members of the general public finding ways to support those who were on the front lines. “A great example was the support that Melissa Carson gave, who provided much-needed meals for truckers going through Weyburn who were unable to access restaurants. Over a span of weeks, Melissa served over 900 meals and was recognized provincially for her dedication through the Saskatchewan Chamber and Conexus Credit Union.”
“In general, the highlight was the resilience that our businesses and residents showed during the difficult and uncertain times. Residents in Weyburn now understand and appreciate the importance of supporting our local businesses,” added Walkeden.
The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce hosted a virtual Chamber Face-to-Face series in 2020 which allowed many local experts to provide advice and insight on how to withstand the pandemic.
“These 10-15 minute videos provided some much-needed timely support to our members. In addition, we hosted virtual think tanks that provided an opportunity to sit in a virtual round table to talk about the unique challenged faced by businesses,” said Walkeden. “Being a business owner can be a lonely experience and many felt helpless and isolated in the early weeks of the pandemic. This gave them the opportunity to seek support from their peers and neighbours.”
During these difficult times the Chamber provided information on how to access supports that addressed these challenges. “Many of the provincial and federal support programs were difficult to understand and navigate through,” said Walkeden. “Our website and social media provided an up to date, comprehensive database of programs that were accessible to businesses that were facing these challenges. We were also there to simply listen to our members in times when they were filled with anxiety and uncertainty.”
The Chamber of Commerce did see new members join in 2020. “We believe the business community came to understand the value of being a chamber member in a clearer way in 2020,” said Walkeden. “The Weyburn Chamber didn’t just focus on our members during the most challenging times of the pandemic – we focused on all businesses and supporting the community of Weyburn in general. In doing that, many businesses came to understand the true value of being a Chamber member. We also had some new businesses open and join our membership. We hosted and attended multiple grand openings in 2020, which was remarkable to see.”
Due to social gathering restrictions that were in place during 2020, the Weyburn Chamber had to cancel many of their much-anticipated events, including the WEYBEX Business Excellence Awards.
“These events are an important way for our members to not only network and learn, but recognize important achievements. Chamber events are also an important mechanism for the Chamber to generate revenue to allow us to staff our office and serve our members,” said Walkeden. “The good news is that we were able to execute a few of our events in compliance with public health and SHA, including our golf tournament and the Parade of Lights.”
The Weyburn Chamber adjusted the annual Farmer Appreciation Night in 2020 by delivering harvest meals to the field to many of past Golden Sheaf winners. “This innovative means of gathering a small group of people together to celebrate our local farming community gave us a chance to recognize the agriculture industry in a way that was safe and meaningful,” said Walkeden.
The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce is already busy planning for 2021. “We understand that the first portion of the year will continue to pose challenges in terms of gathering in person, so will adjust our networking events accordingly,” said Walkeden.
“We have some exciting plans to collaborate with other Chambers across Saskatchewan to identify gaps in regional labour markets and create opportunities for employers and under-represented workers, such as newcomers and women.”
“We also have some exciting plans to launch a new focus on shopping local as well as supporting our members to offer e-commerce mechanisms to serve their consumers,” added Walkden. “Of course, the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce will continue its main focus of supporting our members and ensuring that they get the resources and support they need to survive, and thrive, through the pandemic.”
