Hickory – In addition to the #takeoutcatawbablitz campaign to support local restaurants, Facebook webinars, and sharing of information, the Catawba Chamber of Commerce has created a new Open & Safe Playbook to assist businesses in reopening safely for their customers and staff.

“We feel that is a wonderful opportunity for the business community to unite and rally around protecting lives & livelihoods in the Catawba Valley.  Businesses don’t just want to open….they want to open safely.

The Open & Safe Playbook provides best practices for all industries compiled from known guidance from the CDC, NCDHHS & Catawba County Public Health to serve as a guidepost as business leaders take meaningful steps towards a new normal.

The Open & Safe Commitment enables business across the Catawba Valley to make a public statement expressing their pledge to operate in ways that protect themselves, their valued employees & customers.”  – Lindsay Keisler, President/CEO, The Chamber of Catawba County

This is open to ALL businesses in the Catawba Valley, Chamber partner or not, in all four counties.

Visit the website at www.catawbachamber.org/openandsafe to sign up for the program.

ALL who sign the commitment will be listed on the website in alpha order & receive a digital poster that they can display

Businesses can also opt to purchase “Open & Safe” branded materials (vinyl decals, stickers & yard signs) to reinforce their efforts to their employees & customers.

Once a business orders, the team at the Chamber of Catawba County will contact them with order confirmation & pick-up or delivery details.

The Chamber team will host their first safe curbside pick-up day on Thursday, May 21st.

The “Open & Safe Commitment” is powered by The Chamber of Catawba County with support by great partners such as the Catawba EDC, CVCC Small Business Center, the SBTDC, the Hickory Metro Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, The Downtown Hickory Development Association and the Downtown Newton Development Association.

Lindsay said, “I want to give special recognition to Brad Metzgar with Metzgar Design for all the graphic design magic and also to Alan Jackson & team with Jackson Creative for helping us refine the digital form & e-commerce platforms.  Both are great partners who I highly recommend.”