A group of civic organizations in McLean County has launched a website that aims to address concerns employers, workers and their families may have about how COVID-19 is affecting life here.
The McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council and Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau teamed up to create BNPrepared.org.
“Now more than ever is a time to serve as a resource for our community. Bloomington-Normal and all of McLean County are relying on each other to get through the personal and economic challenges presented by COVID-19” said Nate Hinch, chair of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. “This portal will serve as a resource for our businesses and their employees as we navigate these uncharted waters together.”
The site includes links from schools, social services and local governments detailing their COVID-19 responses along with resources for employers and their workers, including ways to video conference and work remotely and seek unemployment benefits.
“The economic impact of the COVID-19 virus remains unknown, but we do know a lot of great organizations are standing ready to assist. This community site is another step in sharing those resources.” Bill Lawrence, chairman of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council.
The site also allows businesses to submit their own information about how COVID-19 is affecting their operations.
"We are all in this together and we must do everything we can to provide the support our community needs as we grapple with the economic and social challenges we now face," said Carlo Robustelli, chair of the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau. "This portal will help connect businesses and residents with the most up-to-date information about how the crisis is impacting our local community and ways we can come together to support each other."
The site also lists what restaurants remain open to provide carryout, delivery or curbside pickup.
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