Press release provided by Escambia County
The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center has established a business, industry and economic stabilization COVID-19 reset working group. According to Escambia County’s Comprehensive Emergency Plan, Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18 is to provide guidance and coordinate issues with Escambia County’s business community in all phases of emergency management including expediting response and recovery. The Greater Pensacola Chamber is appointed as the lead agency.
“The COVID-19 reset working group is communicating closely with all area chambers, businesses, industries, community and government leaders to assist in the rapid dissemination of information, identifying unmet needs and supporting the business community recovering from the pandemic,” said Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley. “This work group is critical to resetting our economy, and their input is invaluable to returning our region to a thriving destination.”
The Economic Reset Working Group will provide the business community with current and relevant information and resources to assist them in their recovery efforts. They will establish a one-stop online information and resource center for business and employees.
“The COVID-19 situation remains fluid and while business resumption at what level is currently unknown, we must prepare for the recovery now,” said Todd Thomson, president and CEO of the Greater Pensacola Chamber. “We are looking towards economic recovery as we research and consider what resources and initiatives can be implemented to assist our businesses, workforce and community as whole.”
“The Economic Reset Working Group provides guidance and resource to local policymakers, such as myself, and the business community so we can make informed decisions to ensure a safe, orderly, and coordinated resumption of business activities in Pensacola and Escambia County,” said Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson.
Working Group Executive Committee Organizations:
Greater Pensacola Chamber
FloridaWest EDA
Visit Pensacola
Escambia County
City of Pensacola
Escambia County Emergency Support Function 18 (ESF-18)
Lead Coordinating Agency: Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce
Support Agencies: FloridaWest EDA
Visit Pensacola
UWF Small Business Development Center
Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce
Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce
Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce
Century Chamber of Commerce
Emerald Coast Regional Council
CareerSource Escarosa
First Place Partners
Downtown Improvement Board
Escambia County Emergency Management Division
The Home Builders Association of West Florida (HBA)