The coronavirus pandemic has led to the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce to furlough its staff.
With an expected loss of at least 50% from its budget over the remainder of the year, Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Taylor Pedersen said the Chamber’s eight-person workforce will be furloughed for the foreseeable future.
“We will still offer the same services, remain a valued resource, advocate for our business community, and promote tourism in our region,” Pedersen said. “However, we also need to make changes to ensure that we are able to weather this storm and are able to promote and represent the business community who will need us most when things clear up.”
Three employees will continue to work two days per week, while the remaining five full-time and part-time employees will be 100% furloughed.
The furloughs will last as long as needed, but all employees are expected to be rehired.
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Pedersen said the nonprofit organization is like a lot of other organizations and individuals who are suffering during the pandemic.
“It was a tough call to make, but it was the responsible call to make. We want to make sure we come out on the other side of this and make sure we’re there for the business and tourist communities when they need it most," he said.
Pedersen also noted that the Chamber is still here for the community and will continue to monitor and update its website, including the COVID-19 Resources and Assistance page.
“As I’ve said all along, we are in this together,” Pedersen said. “We also want the community to know that we will be alongside them until the end of this.”
The website ( www.superiorchamber.org ) also includes information on Gov. Tony Evers’ Badger Bounce Back Plan and the City of Superior Economic Relief Program.
Statewide, unemployment has skyrocketed because of the pandemic. Earlier this month, the state Department of Workforce Development estimated the state's unemployment rate to be around 27%.
