Despite severe challenges, many businesses in Pennsylvania adapted successfully during COVID-19. Business owners can take notes and ideas that they can use to help their family business pivot and thrive in case they hit any crisis in the future.
I am joined by Amy Bradley, the president and CEO of the Cambria Regional Chamber in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She will share success stories about businesses in her region that have pivoted during COVID-19. Moreover, she will also shed light on how businesses use technology to maintain sales and communication with their customers.
Do you need a financial advisor? If yes, then schedule a free 20-minute conversation with Matt Difrancesco from HighLift Financial. Discuss your family business situation and seek options. By doing this, you will have a roadmap to follow regardless of the nature of your business.
A little about Amy Bradley
Amy is the president/CEO of the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Her organization supports, educates, advocates and partners businesses in the area. Since her work with the Chamber actively involves working with businesses in our county, I wanted to talk to her about some of the success stories she experienced during this whole covid 19 pandemic. In addition, she will give you some ideas of how to adapt your family business to this new normal.
How did the role of the Chamber change during Covid?
According to Amy, it did take a hit due to Covid. One of the first things they did was to shift on to daily mail instead of weekly mail. The reason behind doing this was to reach businesses more frequently. It was also an opportunity to share the good news, things happening around the region, opportunities for people to get help if they needed it.
Moreover, they started looking at doing things virtually. For example, holding events on zoom. They tried ways to keep people connected and allow businesses to talk about how they were maneuvering through COVID and still being successful.
Covid business success stories
The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) at Johnstown
Amy teaches “public relations” at Pitt. One of the things Pitt did was to conduct a virtual job fair for their 2020 graduates. It planned the event through zoom with faculty, students, and businesses. Companies interviewed the candidates through zoom. It was a fantastic effort to try to help students get back into a successful job market.
The need for welders
Due to Covid, the classrooms were closed, and the kids were home. Dale oxygen, one of the chamber members, realized there will always be a need for welders. He took this opportunity to push out information, videos on what it is like to be a welder and how you can become a welder. This was impressive as he was able to engage people and their children while really teaching a skill.
Stryking Boutique
It is owned by Lacey Ott, who is a bishop of McCourt. When the Covid hit, it didn’t take down her spirits. Instead, she started doing virtual fashion shows. Lacey pivoted to a business model where people would watch the fashion shows, see items they liked, purchase them, and then pick them up curbside.
Gold Rush Boutique
It is a boutique in Ebensburg. They started pushing things out on social media and in daily emails specials. They sought many opportunities for people to see their merchandise, purchase it online, and then pick it up curbside.
Libraries
They are offering curbside pickup for people who are not comfortable coming in. You can go online, check out the book, and you can pick it up on the curb.
“We have to be patient and realize that people have different comfort levels.”
Technology’s role in the education system
Covid transformed education systems across the world. It has broadened the reach because of the virtual aspects. People who usually could not afford to send their kids to an expensive school, such as Bishop McCourt, can now seek virtual options.
How does Amy think businesses need to adapt to this new normal we are facing?
Business owners will need to embrace social media. Moreover, they need to be creative. This will set them apart from the competitors. The idea is that family businesses must be willing to be innovative, have patience and look for different ways of doing things without becoming hopeless or giving up.
For instance, People are actively using Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Think of TikTok as another Zoom. People were not talking about it, but it has a massive reach, especially after Covid. It is a great new tool that individuals and organizations can use to get in front of a whole new audience.
What’s the best way to get in touch with Amy and the Chamber?
Whether you have a family automotive business or are a retailer, think of the Chamber of Commerce as a useful resource. Follow them on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Also, sign up for the daily emails as that’s a great place to get information.
You can reach Amy by sending her an email at amy@crchamber.com or by calling at 814-536-5107. She will be happy to take your calls. You can also leave a message at the Chamber for her.
How to Get in Touch With Matt?
At my virtual family office, I deal with tons of businesses that were severely affected by Covid. If you are facing similar difficulties right now, then it is better to discuss them by Scheduling a private consultation strategy session with me.
HighLift financial is here to be your one-stop-shop for getting financial strategies tailored to your business and family goals. It’s time to repair your finances!
To know more about businesses that thrived during Covid by adjusting their business model, you can read about Dave Erb. He owns “West Penn Billiards and fine furniture” and provides insights into the challenges he and his wife, Jennifer, faced as family business owners during Covid-19.
Disclaimer
The information compiled and posted here solely represents the opinions and views of the guest. It might not necessarily be similar to the opinions and views of High Lift Financial. The availability of this content only serves educational and informational purposes. It is in no way a substitute for tax or legal advice or professional investment.
Always make sure to consult your financial advisor with any queries related to personal or business planning. DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC. d/b/a HighLift Financial is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the State of Pennsylvania and subject to the State of Pennsylvania’s regulatory oversight.