In partnership with Columbia County Current, Beach & Bartolo is sharing this vital historical update from the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. As our region faced the challenges of 2020, the "Columbia Comeback" task force was formed to provide a roadmap for a safe and strategic return to business.
The 4-Phase Reopening Strategy
Under the guidelines laid out by the state, Columbia County moved forward through a regional coordination with the Capital Region (including Albany, Greene, Saratoga, and Rensselaer). The reopening was structured into four distinct phases:
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Phase One: Construction, Manufacturing, and Wholesale Supply Chain.
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Phase Two: Real Estate and Rental Leasing, Professional Services, Finance, and Insurance.
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Phase Three: Restaurants, Food Service, and Hotels.
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Phase Four: Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, and Education.
The "Columbia Comeback" Task Force
Chairman Matt Murell appointed a dedicated committee to lead the county's recovery. Co-chaired by Jeff Hunt (Chamber President) and F. Michael Tucker (CEDC President), the task force included a diverse group of local leaders from across our community, including:
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Local Government: Supervisors from Germantown, Austerlitz, and New Lebanon, and the Mayor of Hudson.
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Education & Arts: Leadership from Columbia-Greene Community College and The Crandell Theatre.
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Business Pillars: Representatives from Chatham Brewing, Ginsberg’s Foods, MetzWood Insurance, and The Chatham Berry Farm.
Supporting Our Frontline Workers
During this time, the Columbia County Chamber Foundation launched the COVID-19 Fund. This initiative supported our local economy by purchasing gift cards from locally-owned restaurants and distributing them to first responders and hospital frontline employees at Columbia Memorial Health.
A Legacy of Resilience
This document remains a testament to how Columbia County businesses adapted, innovated, and came together. From "Re-imagining Tele-Education" to implementing new sanitation standards, the efforts made in 2020 laid the groundwork for the thriving, resilient business community we enjoy today.
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