The Norman Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted this week at its monthly meeting to continue its support for small businesses by passing a proclamation designed to encourage the Norman City Council to utilize existing funds left from the federal CARES Act to help small businesses who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This pandemic has left a mark on all of us, especially our small businesses,” said Mandy Haws, Norman Chamber Board Chair. “With these businesses continuing to struggle as the pandemic persists, we believe the City Council must act now to use existing funds to aid our small businesses. Time is of the essence if there is any hope of saving our small local businesses and all they contribute to the fabric of our community.”

According to the resolution, “Our nation’s small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Congress passed and the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains billions in relief for American workers and small businesses and Norman businesses have taken significant measures to protect their employees and customers in compliance with federal, state, and city regulations.

“The city of Norman was allocated $9.6 million in federal CARES Act funding and set aside $1 million to establish a Small Business and Non-Profit Relief Grant program. The Board of Directors of the Norman Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages the Norman City Council to make available the additional $2 million for small business relief, thus helping Norman small businesses remain operational during the upcoming and unpredictable months ahead, therefore meeting the intent of the CARES Act.”

“On behalf of the Norman Chamber Board and its members, we urge all of Norman to contact their city council members and strongly encourage immediate action,” said Scott Martin, President/CEO of the Norman Chamber. “The need is evident, and we need the city council to deliver on behalf of our citizenry.”

The resolution was unanimously approved on Monday, Jan.11, 2021.

FULL RESOLUTION HERE