Springtime in the South is known for many traditions – Easter, graduation, and weddings. One Albany small business has been part of these traditions since 1985 when owner Susan Wiley opened the doors at Place on the Pointe. Since then, this tiny shop in Northwest Albany has been the place to shop for grandmothers, mothers, and daughters as they passed down traditions and started new ones.

Now, more than ever, the ladies at Place on the Pointe are hard at work to make sure their customers have what they need to continue their traditions this year. Like all small businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, creativity in determining new processes became paramount. The staff at Place on the Pointe took their above-and-beyond customer service and combined it with their steady online presence to up their retail game and meet customer needs!

“We began getting phone calls from our customers who were upset about not being able to put together Easter baskets,” said Elyse Brown. “One customer is a first-time mom who grew up dreaming about putting together her children’s baskets, and she thought she was going to miss out on the first one!” Elyse Brown and Honey Bolton, both store co-managers, moved to action and began to post videos and pictures that showcased all the Easter selections from the sales floor. Orders began streaming in right away. The staff worked overtime to assemble the custom baskets – and even added home delivery!

“It makes us feel so good that we can help our customers,” added Honey. “Another question we are asked frequently is about our Easter bunny pictures. And while we can’t move forward with those – don’t count the Easter bunny out! We might have a trick up our sleeve!”

As the shelter-in-place guidelines came down the pipeline from the City of Albany, another group began to call the store, sharing their disappointment and asking for suggestions with another springtime occasion – graduation!

“A sweet grandmother from out of town called and wanted to do something special for her grandchild – a graduating senior this year,” said Elyse. “She had no idea what gifts to purchase, so we created a virtual video tour of all our graduation items to send to her!” That video will soon be added to both Place on the Pointe Facebook and Instagram accounts for more graduation shoppers to do the same. Another plus for graduating seniors who haven’t taken advantage of a gift registry is the ability to watch the videos, make their wish list and email or call it in to the store.

Another group facing uncertainty in these times are brides in the process of making final arrangements for registry and wedding invitations. “We are creative with wedding invitations since we cannot allow brides to come in the store,” Elyse explains. “For these brides, we are printing out drafts of their final invitation and taping them to the front door for them to come by and look. We continue to text, message and email as much as possible.”

“God is our biggest supporter and we are beyond grateful! We want to do everything we can to make sure our customers have the same hands-on experience we’ve always strived to give,” Elyse says.

“While keeping everyone safe!” Honey adds.

In a time when everything seems to be changing, the ladies at Place on the Pointe are making sure at least one thing remains the same.  Each customer receives the same personalized service for which this small business is known, proving that this small biz has a really big heart!

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s priority

is to keep the business community informed and prepared.

GET THE LATEST GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESS FROM

Agency Leaders

While this is a quickly evolving situation, we will work to provide up-to-date information, actionable intelligence and help employers adopt a prepared mindset to focus on the health of their business. Here is some of the latest, most relevant information and resources for employers from national health organizations and agency leaders.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Georgia Department of Public Health

Occupational Health & Safety Administration

World Health Organization

U.S. Small Business Administration

FIND HELP FOR YOUR COMPANY

Business Assistance Programs

These local, state and federal resources are available to support businesses during a disaster or crisis. Learn more about how these programs can assist your businesses, as well as how to apply and access these resources.

SBA Disaster Recovery Loans for Employers

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Learn more and apply online.

Georgia Department of Labor Emergency Unemployment

The Georgia Department of Labor updates rules so that Georgia employers may partial claims online on behalf of their employees for any week during which an employee (full-time/part-time) works less than full-time due to a partial or total company shutdown caused by the -19 public health emergency. Any employer found to be in violation of this rule will be required to reimburse GDOL for the full amount of unemployment insurance benefits paid to the employee. Download the  How Employers File Partial Claims Desk-Aid found on the GDOL Alert Page and follow the step-by-step instructions. Filing partial claims results in your employees receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefit payments faster, usually within 48 hours for claims filed electronically. Employees for whom you file a partial claim are NOT required to report to a Georgia Department of Labor career center, register for employment services, or look for other work. 

UGA Small Business Development Center

UGA Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) across the state are open and available to assist small businesses impacted by current circumstances. Virtual consulting and online resources are available. Contact SBDC-Albany at (229) 420-1144.

Download the SBDC’s “Guide to Conquering a Business Crisis” for tips and strategies on cash management, price and cost containment, supply chain management and marketing.

KEY DOWNLOADS

Important Preparation Resources

Download these critical business resources to assist your company during the pandemic.

The Albany Area Chamber’s COVID-19 Business Resource Guide provides useful information and expert guidance for employers.The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Resilience in a Box provides best practices for addressing preparedness issues while building in flexibility to handle potential business interruptions.

>> COVID-19 poster for your work place.

>> COVID-19 customizable flyer for your work place.

>> Coronavirus workplace tips for employers.

>> Coronavirus preparedness toolkit.

STAY UP-TO-DATE

Local Updates That Impact Employers

March 25, 2020

Albany and Dougherty County officials temporarily allow restaurants that already are licensed for on-premises alcohol sales to do so in a take-out/pick-up capacity as an accompaniment to food orders. Beverages should be in a sealed container and must cease at 9 p.m. each day. The order, which provides an update to the March 22 shelter-in-place order, and its corresponding frequently asked questions can be found here. The order is in place until April 7.

The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to supporting the business community, which is playing a critical role during this unprecedented pandemic. We are actively asking the public and our businesses to adhere to guidance from federal, state and local authorities and to make the necessary organizational adjustments in response to current challenges and in preparation for the days ahead.

March 22, 2020

Albany and Dougherty County officials strengthen the local shelter-in-place order, limiting non-essential business and social activities in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the long-term economic impact. The order, which goes into effect at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Read the corresponding frequently asked questions.

The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to supporting the business community, which is playing a critical role during this unprecedented pandemic. We are actively asking the public and our businesses to adhere to guidance from federal, state and local authorities and to make the necessary organizational adjustment in response to current challenges and in preparation for the days ahead.

“The business community is a partner in this effort, with many organizations proactively and innovatively modifying their operations to protect public health, their workers and their businesses — to stem the tide of the virus and to keep commerce flowing,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber and a member of the Albany-Dougherty COVID-19 Task Force. “I am so proud of the leadership demonstrated by our businesses.”

The Albany Area Chamber calls on neighboring communities, businesses and other chambers of commerce to adopt and encourage these guidelines in an effort to protect our local, regional and statewide citizenry and economies.

March 20, 2020

Dougherty County officials enact a shelter-in-place order to limit non-essential activities in an effort to flatten the curve of COVID-19, mitigate public health risk and minimize the long-term economic impact to the business community. The order, which goes into effect as 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020, and corresponding can be found at bit.ly/2xS6zzb

The order advises citizens to travel only for essential business operations, for essential activities and to secure essential goods and services. Individuals may leave their residence only to perform essential activities such as obtaining health services, necessary supplies, and performing essential health activities outdoors, among others. Essential businesses are defined as those such as healthcare operations, grocery stores, retail businesses, newspapers and others. Dining in at restaurants/eateries is prohibited; curbside/takeout/delivery is allowed.

Generally and as noted in the order, retailers providing a good or service may remain open at 50 percent of their occupancy and allowing for six feet of distance within people. Health providers may remain open as defined by the order. Bars, indoor recreational facilities, gyms and health studios and other similar type businesses are temporarily closed, as per the order. If you are unsure if your business falls under the classifications listed in the order, please refer to the zoning use definitions or call 311. 

The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to supporting the business community, which is playing a critical role as we face this unprecedented pandemic. We are actively asking the public and our businesses to adhere to guidance from federal, state and local authorities and to make the necessary organizational adjustments in response to current challenges and in preparation for the days ahead. We further call on our neighboring communities and businesses to follow or adopt these or similar measures in an effort to protect our local, regional and statewide citizenry and economies.

March 19, 2020

Public officials in Albany and Dougherty County enact restrictions in an effort to flatten the curve of COVID-19, mitigate public health risk and minimize the long-term economic impact to the business community. The order, which goes into effect Friday (March 20) at 8 a.m., and corresponding frequently asked questions can be found at bit.ly/3ddXcKm.

The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to supporting the business community, which is playing a critical role as we face this unprecedented pandemic. We are actively asking the public and our businesses to adhere to guidance from federal, state and local authorities and to make the necessary organizational adjustments in response to current challenges and in preparation for the days ahead.

March 16, 2020

The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to the health and stability of our community, our members and our economy. We are in an unprecedented time. And it is during difficult times especially that unity, leadership, advocacy and stability are most critical. We are committed to continuing to provide you with the resources and leadership you have come to expect.

We are actively monitoring the dynamic situation with COVID-19, are in communication with our state and local health officials and elected leaders and assisting our healthcare systems, first responders and emergency medical personnel in doing their jobs consistently and effectively.

Further, we are working to ensure the health and safety of our Chamber staff; operational continuity for delivery of services and resources to you, our members; and business advocacy and community partnership as together we respond.

Business preparedness, fact-based decisions and access to resources will minimize disruptions in the wake of COVID-19. Below, updates on important information to support your work force and your business.

CHAMBER IN-PERSON PROGRAMS & EVENTS

As we encourage our businesses and community to follow the fact-based recommendations of public health officials in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we, too, heed their guidance. The Albany Area Chamber downtown office is closed to the public through mid-April, during which time our in-person meetings and events are postponed. We are monitoring this dynamic situation daily and will communicate as Chamber meetings and programs are rescheduled.

WORKING & ADVOCATING FOR YOU

Our business continuity plan is in place and investments in our technology infrastructure mean our team can continue work for you … from anywhere. Business hasn’t stopped, and neither has the Albany Area Chamber. We will continue to provide you with the resources, engagement and leadership you have come to expect from us. Check your inbox and our social media platforms — including Facebook and Instagram — for updates on our programs, business resources and member engagement opportunities.

SUPPORTING COMMERCE

The Albany Area is open for business. Limiting in-person engagements doesn’t mean commerce must halt. Ways to support our member businesses and support the health of our economy include utilizing delivery services, online shopping and purchasing of gift cards for later use. It’s important also that businesses communicate directly with customers about how they are adjusting during this time.

COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCES          

The Albany Area Chamber’s COVID-19 Business Resource Guide provides useful information and expert guidance for employers.The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Resilience in a Box provides best practices for addressing preparedness issues while building in flexibility to handle potential business interruptions.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Dougherty County COVID-19 Task Force has been activated, and the Albany Area Chamber is proud to serve on it alongside our committed public partners. The Dougherty County Emergency Operations Center is available at (229) 302-1900. Phoebe’s COVID-19 call line is available at (229) 312-1919. We encourage members and the public to follow the recommendations of the CDC. The Georgia Department of Public Health is proves daily status reports on COVID-19.