Chamber members lending helping hand to furloughed

SAINT JOHNS COUNTY – Professional business owners and members of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce are utilizing their products, services, and resources to help unemployed and furloughed workers, along with assisting individuals and families in need.

“With the unprecedented difficulties many of our business members are facing, they are still helping their employees, neighbors and friends who were previously thriving due to our strong, local economy,” said Isabelle Renault, president and CEO, St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. “Now that various business activities have been placed on hold, some are finding themselves with more time and a greater dedication to safely provide help.”

Chamber member companies that are reaching out to deserving people with innovative new products and services including the St. Augustine Distillery which is producing and distributing hand sanitizer for the community and beyond; Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, owned by military veterans is partnering with a renowned bakery to deliver baked goods and cakes to front line healthcare workers at local hospitals; Bojangles restaurant in St. Augustine has donated 100 meals to health care workers at Flagler Health+ and hosted a Feed the Heroes Drive with a portion of the drive-thru sales benefiting the fund and additional voluntary donations by patrons; Sawgrass Pet Resort is collecting and donating pet food items for dog and cat owners who cannot afford to feed their animals, and FASTSIGNS of St. Augustine is producing yard signs that support workers who serve and care for the community with proceeds being used to purchase gift cards from St. Augustine restaurants for local healthcare and emergency workers.

 According to Mark Nighbor, the Chamber’s Chairman of the Board and Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Advanced Disposal, the Chamber appreciates the generosity of member businesses helping others in a time of need to support the community. “We are pleased to extend our assistance by sharing free, valuable information with anyone in the community including business assistance resources, the Cares Act,  and Chamber Conversations  featuring local experts who are providing guidance on subjects surrounding the COVID-19 crisis,”  he said.

Nighbor added that all local business owners are welcome to contact the Chamber for more information about programs and services available to help those in need. Visit the website at http://www.sjcchamber.com or call (904) 829-5681.

 The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit business membership organization. The Chamber is one of the largest business networking organization in northeast Florida. The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce strives to deliver continuous value-added service to its members and the community, resulting in a business environment and quality of life where existing businesses prosper, and new companies find it attractive to locate in St. Johns County. The Chamber strengthens business credibility, improves business visibility, amplifies business advocacy, and drives prosperity in the community.