AMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes says businesses across the region are slowly getting back to work as WNY progresses through the phases of reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase Three that begins today includes the reopening of indoor restaurant dining at 50% capacity and personal care businesses and services, such as massage therapy, spas, nail salons, UV and non-UV tanning and waxing.
“Small businesses have been hit the hardest during this pandemic,” says Baynes. “They have felt the brunt of the shutdown and are more challenged by the safety requirements. They need our support now more than ever.”
CowPok, a piercing and tattoo gallery in Buffalo and Amherst, is one of the businesses cleared for reopening in Phase Three. It is now accepting appointments and will begin seeing customers on June 24th with several safety restrictions in place.
Glen Park Tavern in Williamsville is planning to open its indoor dining area tomorrow for the first time since March.
“Even at half-capacity, this is exciting for us,” says Ellie Grenauer, co-owner of Glen Park Tavern. “A big part of our dining experience is the atmosphere of our restaurant. We are so glad to welcome back patrons and will be following all the state’s safety guidelines.”
CowPok’s new safety protocol includes mandatory mask-wearing in the studio, temperature-taking as well as asking customers a rundown of health questions.
It will not be offering any services that fall under your mask and is reserving the right to refuse service at any time.
The Chamber has been at the forefront of the business community’s needs as we restart the local economy.
On Wednesday, June 17, the Chamber will host a webinar addressing the mental effects of the pandemic and how to overcome future threats. Chamber investor SUNY Erie will present ways businesses can emerge from this time of unprecedented change with greater resilience than when it began. Before the presentation, businesses are asked to take this survey: https://www.mindsuitemetrics.com/possibilitieshubamherst.
Registration for this virtual event and all other Chamber reopening resources for businesses can be found at http://www.amherst.org.
Also, the Chamber, in conjunction with Spectrum Reach, has produced a :30 Public Service Announcement encouraging the community to patronize our small businesses. The video features local businesses, including Fresh Catch Poke, Lloyd Taco Factory, and Woodhouse Day Spa. Dr. Michael Mineo, Vice-President, and Chief Medical Officer for Kaleida Health’s Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital provides a word of caution.
The PSA can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/pufU-J6MRdw.
