By LANA BRADSTREAM

TIMES-REPUBLICAN

As businesses in Marshalltown go through reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber of Commerce is helping them with the process.

“We have developed a toolkit that shares recommendations, guidelines and things to consider for organizations as they reopen to the public,” said Lynn Olberding, the Chamber CEO. “That information has been provided to all of our nearly 500 members, but it is available for anyone who is interested. Our resource page can be found at marshalltown.org/covid19.”

Businesses are following guidelines related to social distancing and limited capacity and Olberding said some business owners are requiring staff to wear face masks.

“In some cases, patrons are also being encouraged or even required to wear face masks or coverings,” she said.

One business that is requiring patrons to wear masks is Goodwill of Central Iowa on Lafrentz Drive.

“Businesses are doing what they feel is the best decisions about when and how to open,” Olberding said. “They are basing their decision on government guidelines, industry standards and practices they feel are best for the health and safety of their staff and customers.”

The Chamber has worked hard to stay abreast of the ever-changing guidelines and recommendations and pass those on to members, as well as the general public. Olberding said they have been fortunate to provide a small amount of financial relief to some of the small businesses through a partnership with Fareway and the Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives.

“Through this partnership, we granted $3,000 in $50 Fareway gift cards for small businesses to use for supplies for their company or give to an employee who needed it,” she said. “We have also been sharing positive messages about what people can do in the current COVID-19 environment and encouraging people to support our local businesses and non-profit organizations.”

Olberding has been in communication with several statewide and national groups about the impact of the pandemic on the business community and the needs vary. However, she said one thing is consistent — people and organizations are fighting hard for local economies, businesses and communities.

Olberding hopes the public will be patient with the process.

“They are balancing public expectations with the decisions they are making for their businesses and their employees,” she said. “Everyone should remember to give extra patience and respect right now. This is a situation that has impacted everyone in some form. Business owners are making the best decisions they can and we all need to respect their decisions and continue to support them.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.