How the chamber survived the pandemic
NKY Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Brent Cooper has three goals for the chamber coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cooper says the focus of the last year has been about helping businesses survive by collecting and disseminating information on health regulations, vaccine distribution and business relief efforts—such as local, state and federal. In addition, the chamber has been providing assistance to businesses through legal protection, as well as providing relevant and timely programming to the specific needs of its members.
“Coming out of the pandemic, we will continue to focus on economic recovery and business growth by serving as a resource for information and programming that helps regional businesses navigate the new normal, as well as promotes the region as a great place to live, work and play,” Cooper says.
Cooper says when Northern Kentucky speaks with one voice on advocacy issues and collectively works to accelerate business growth, good things happen for the region.
“Our NKY Chamber will continue to help lead the way to ensure that happens,” Cooper says.
During the pandemic, Cooper says he learned how important the chamber is to the region. Before the pandemic, the chamber had over 1,600 members and still retains that many members to this day. Cooper says this speaks to the value that the chamber provides businesses across the region.
“The communication, advocacy and connection to resources provided by our Chamber was absolutely critical to the collective survival of the business community,” Cooper says. “We were able to quickly adapt to virtual events and we provided invaluable information to our members via our business journal, podcast, e-mails and social media.”
Going forward, Cooper says he’s most excited to see people in person again once it is safe to do so. The chamber is a part of the Greater Cincinnati’s “Get out the vax!” effort, where the goal is to get 80% of people vaccinated by July 4. Cooper says he’s encouraging businesses to promote the effort and encourage friends, family and employees to get vaccinated.
“No amount of stimulus will ever replace fully opening the economy back up, and vaccinations are critical. Good health is good business,” Cooper says.
