As you are well-aware, the situation related to Coronavirus changes hourly. We are in unprecedented and uncertain times, on the front lines of history perhaps! Mainers come from tough stock and excel at working together in times of crisis. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Maine’s regional and local chambers of commerce are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation.

On Friday, March 20, Hannaford Supermarkets announced its commitment to donate $250,000 to support area foodbanks that are experiencing increasing and unprecedented demand during the widening of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The monies will be distributed to foodbanks in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York. 

On Friday, March 20, Governor Janet Mills released the following audio/radio message to the people of Maine:
      
“You know my parents used to tell me that we cannot control everything that happens to us, but what we can control – and what we must control – is how we react to what happens to us. I know you are concerned, even scared, about your health and that of your loved ones. I know you are thinking about where your next paycheck will come from, or your next bag of groceries. I know that anxiety and concern for the unknown fill the air right now. When your child or grandchild tells you that they are scared, tell them: it’s okay to be scared. Anxiety is normal. The future is uncertain.

Campaign encourages all who are able to support local businesses and organizations in need as our state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic
 
As Maine businesses and their employees weather unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and the Retail Association of Maine are partnering with several organizations in our state to launch a campaign to support our community: #PayItForwardMaine.

Emera Maine is continuing to monitor COVID-19 response in order to make timely decisions that prioritize the health and safety of its employees and the public. As providers of an essential utility, it is critical that Emera Maine supports the delivery of electric service while it meets the needs of its employees.

Chambers are working together to advocate for businesses, sharing resources available to businesses, and promoting ideas to help small businesses
 
Maine state, regional and local chambers of commerce continue to work together to support Maine businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chambers are hearing serious concerns from Maine employers about their ability to endure the pandemic. The chamber community is working closely with state, local and federal officials on efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on businesses and is hard at work updating employers and sharing resources aimed at helping businesses survive this challenging time. While prioritizing public health, chambers are also promoting ways every Mainer can help businesses, especially small businesses, continue to sell goods and services during the pandemic and its associated curfews and restrictions, including the executive order announced on Wednesday, March 18 by Governor Janet Mills (https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-takes-further-steps-respond-covid-19-protect-health-and-safety-maine-people?fbclid=IwAR29Djkw2eDxMv0FhpyY7YNvo53T5K6xOEOwlxTtCu_1VB6GySj_gCqciZM).