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Harmony chamber reports COVID impacts; chamber cancels Fourth of July events and pivots to local promotions
Summary
The Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce told the EDA it canceled its chamber-sponsored Fourth of July events, postponed guidebook printing, saw reduced visitor requests, and is pivoting to a "United in Harmony" local marketing campaign; the EDA also heard of a $22,500 MDH ambulance grant and a pending USDA cot grant.
The Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce reported to the Economic Development Authority on June 4 that pandemic-related closures and travel changes forced cuts to programs, cancellations of the chamber-sponsored Fourth of July events and a pause on printing a 2020 guidebook.
Chamber Director Melissa Vander Plas told the EDA that the visitor center building was locked from late March through May 31 and staff returned with reduced hours and no additional seasonal assistant. The chamber board opted to cancel the 2020 printing of the guidebook and will continue to use about 1,000 remaining 2019 copies while considering a potential fall edition. Vander Plas said the chamber’s Explore Minnesota grant was rescinded and she is working on reimbursement paperwork for funds already spent; she expects remaining statewide funds to be reallocated toward localized promotions.
Vander Plas said many Harmony businesses have reopened with limited services, including outdoor dining; some attractions such as Niagara Cave and Amish Tours of Harmony remained closed in early June. The chamber has begun planning a "United in Harmony" campaign with social media, a landing page for updated business hours, and a short video featuring residents and civic leaders highlighting local recommendations for visitors.
Board member Andy Batstone said the chamber board had been meeting weekly to monitor event status and operations, and the EDA agreed the chamber was taking a prudent, risk-averse approach to public events. The EDA discussed limited local outreach, such as fliers or social posts, to clarify which small July activities might proceed.
In other community updates, staff member Chris Giesen reported a $22,500 Minnesota Department of Health grant awarded to the ambulance department for additional pay and personal protective equipment and said he had submitted a USDA grant application of about $21,500 for a new ambulance cot and lift, which is still pending. Giesen also reported outreach to MnDOT on a speed-study resolution for Highway 52 and told the board that Harmony Telephone Company is planning fiber work that may be delayed until late 2020 or early 2021 due to unforeseen setbacks.
The board did not take formal action on the chamber’s operational choices; members recorded support for the chamber's cautious approach during the discussion. The meeting ended with a consensus to meet on July 2, 2020 and a preference to resume in-person meetings when public-health guidance allows.
