County Chamber Hosts Digital Town Hall

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COURT HOUSE – With many Cape May County businesses typically opening their doors for the season around Easter, more than 80 people Zoomed to hear about the continuing effects of COVID-19 on the economy, in a digital Town Hall, sponsored by the county Chamber of Commerce April 2, with state representatives.
Availability of hires, COVID-19 testing sites, the health of medical workers and first responders, and small business grants and loans were among the topics on business owners’ minds. In an open question and answer forum, Sen. Michael Testa, Assemblyman Antwan McClellan and Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (all R-1st) answered questions based on current information, urging people to call their office (609-778-2012) for help if needed. They also referred business owners and residents to covid19.nj.gov for information.
Flatten the Curve
On “flattening the curve” over the next two weeks, Testa said he is hopeful that if people follow social distancing and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, encourage friends and neighbors to stay where they are, rather than coming to the shore to their second or vacation home, “I hope in two weeks, we will be on the decline of cases. As Cape May County relies on tourism as a main source of income, if not the source of income, we are hoping we can salvage some of this summer.”
Unemployment applications have risen to unprecedented numbers, according to Testa, and the website is having difficulty handling them. New Jersey has waived the waiting time, so benefits should be available as soon as a person is approved. There also are many jobs that have been posted on the state’s website.
Unemployment Benefits: ‘Highest Ever’
One business owner, Gina Sue Macconi, owner of RiGi’s Amusement Center, in Stone Harbor, questioned how the seasonal businesses would be able to compete for employees when unemployment benefits are the “highest ever.”
The so-called “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” package provides an additional $600 per week that workers will receive above and beyond the state’s regular unemployment benefits, through July 31. She estimated the unemployed could receive up to $1,313 weekly. Those who have already exhausted benefits can get 13 additional weeks of regular benefits, plus the extra $600 per week.
“Are there going to be any incentives for seasonal businesses,” asked Macconi. “With people making more than they’ve ever made on unemployment, what’s going to get people to work when we open when they can be collecting more sitting at home or going to the beach?”
Macconi mentioned one source that provides J-1 students from other countries has already notified them that they have not been interviewing prospective employees, so they won’t be traveling to the United States to work this summer. Many local businesses rely on J-1 students from other countries to fill their employee gaps.
“No one knows when we will re-open,” responded Vicki Clark, president, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, “but we are hoping that people will be tired of not working and be ready to go back to work and get the economy back running.
“It’s a real concern, and we want to do all we can to provide resources to businesses,” she added, pointing to the Chamber’s website, www.capemaycountychamber.com/main/coronavirus-covid-19-information-resources/.
“Unemployment benefits are limited, they will not go on forever,” she added.
Small Business Grants
Macconi also asked if there was help available for seasonal business owners who normally would be opening around Easter. Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson asked about grant availability for small business owners who have laid off staff and had business reduced because of the pandemic.
Business owners should contact their banks on available programs, and Clark mentioned a few programs that would be accepting applications shortly, reminding owners that they will be “over-subscribed, so apply early.”
Trying for Drive-Thru Test Site
Pierson and McClellan also mentioned the county is trying to open a drive-through testing site, at Cape May County Technical High School, but is waiting for state approval. They indicated first responders and health field workers would be tested initially to ensure their safety.
Campgrounds House Essential Workers
Joann DelVescio, president of the state’s Campgrounds Owners Association, said they have been approached about opening campgrounds to house health care and other essential workers who can’t go to their homes.
“We are not allowing campgrounds to open for vacation or recreation purposes, but you may see campgrounds open to house medical staff or first responders who have RVs and can’t go home,” she noted.
VA Looking for Medical Staff
Another participant noted the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring experienced/retired medical staff to have “all hands on deck.” All community-based programs are using online delivery of services to limit face-to-face contact.
An Unprecedented Time
“The whole situation is in a state of flux,” Testa said, “and we don’t have all the answers. We will keep our website and Facebook pages up to date with the most current information we have.
“I know that the season usually runs from Easter through November,” Testa said, “but that is not going to happen. We hope to save some of the season; we will get through this together. It’s an unprecedented time, and we must all do what we can to flatten the curve.”
To contact Karen Knight, email kknight@cmcherald.com.