MARSHALL (KMHL) – Around a fifth of Marshall businesses that recently participated in a survey from the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Authority say they already have or anticipate having to layoff or terminate employees because of the economic impact from the shutdown related to COVID-19.
The organizations say the survey was developed to gather insight on the overall economic impact of COVID-19 and the resulting shutdowns on the local business community.
“We understand that every business has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said EDA Director Lauren Deutz in a press release. “To give businesses the opportunity to share their stories will help determine how we can best assist.”
Of the 83 businesses that participated in the survey, 43 percent say they have experienced a large negative impact on sales/revenue and 35 percent anticipate the negative impact to continue over the next six months.
Seventy two percent of survey respondents say their businesses have remained open in some capacity during the shutdown period, and 57 percent anticipate reducing or needing to reduce staff hours.
“The Chamber team has been reaching out to area businesses to determine COVID-19 impacts. The conversations clearly support the data collected in the survey,” said Chamber President Brad Gruhot. “Businesses know that they have to open with precautions for the safety of their employees and their customers and businesses have made plans to support those safe operations.”
