2020-05-06 Economic Recovery ForumEconomic Recovery Forum
May 6, 2020
3 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Fund (remotely at 3:20 p.m.), County Manager Erik
Martin (remotely), Arny Davis, Larry McGee (remotely), Alicia Bull (remotely), Annalee Tobey (remotely),
Debbie Campbell (remotely), Eric Sonneberg (remotely), Michelle Whitten (remotely), Gary Fredricks
(remotely), Jill Anderson (remotely), Amber Smith (remotely), Suzette Smith (remotely), Colton Dodgson
(remotely), Mary Kay Nelson (remotely), Lara McRea (remotely), Mike Morgan (remotely), Robin Saline
(remotely), Tamara Hayes (remotely), Becky Butler (remotely), Rob Hill (remotely), Alison Puckett
(remotely) and various other members of the public and press (remotely), Candy Hallom
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Larry McGee discussed the work that went into creating the Lewis County Recovery Toolkit, which can
be found at (https://experiencechehalis.com/business-recovery-toolkit/).
Annalee Tobey reviewed the resources available in the Lewis County Recovery Toolkit, which breaks
information into three sections: “Prepare Your Workplace,” “Prepare Your Employees” and “Customer
Communication.” She showed participants how to navigate the site. Annalee noted that the site was a
collaborative effort between the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team and the Lewis County Together
Task Force.
Larry discussed the quick tips for business recovery.
Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes expressed a concern that many entities are working on the same projects,
creating a duplication of efforts. He stressed the need for a collaborative effort that helps – and includes
– the entire county.
Commissioner Fund joined at 3:20 p.m.
Arny Davis left at 3:23 p.m.
Commissioner Fund said Scott Haas indicated that individuals needing help can call the Unemployment
Claims Center hotline at 833-572-8400 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, Monday through Saturday. She
said there also are e-services available online.
Commissioner Fund of left at 3:27 p.m.
Alicia Bull said the Lewis County Business Recovery Center is working on funding sources. She discussed
work to add hotspots across the county, especially in rural areas.
Larry McGee praised the efforts on Lewis County Together. Annalee encouraged businesses to access
the website to update it with closures, openings, etc.
Mary Kay Nelson said she feels there is a strong network of individuals working toward a similar goal.
Annalee said CCRT has awarded its first four grants. She said more businesses are becoming interested
in creating or improving their online presence.
Teri Zambon from the Centralia Downtown Association discussed updates to the group’s website.
Cynthia Swift of the East Lewis County Chamber of Commerce said businesses in the rural areas are
cautiously optimistic. She said the Chamber is trying to focus on a message of hope.
Mike Morgan of Vision Toledo discussed how businesses in Toledo are responding to the pandemic and
closures. He discussed festivals and events.
Mayor Dawes discussed a recent call with the governor’s office regarding regional decision-making
authority.
Erik Martin said JP Anderson is drafting a variance application for the county.
Mary Kay Nelson asked what will happen in regards to catering service, such as whether they’ll be
allowed. Erik Martin urged her to call Public Health, though he noted that the focus is more on crowd
size than food preparation.
Commissioner Jackson encouraged area businesses to contact the BOCC with an outline of their plans on
how to safely reopen businesses.
Annalee asked if the Chamber could help spread the word about the county’s request for business
reopening plans.
Meeting adjourned at 4 p.m.