Chamber Gearing Up for COVID Compliant 2021

Whitehall's Chamber of Commerce met January 7th, via Zoom, for the first meeting of 2021. While the meeting was held virtually, due to COVID-19 concerns, the Chamber's meeting was filled with plans to hold socially responsible and distanced events in 2021 under the ever-changing guidelines.

The 2021 Whitehall Easter Egg Hunt is currently slated for March 27th, with a possible move to the baseball fields in order to socially distance better and stagger events by age group. The Chamber also decided, due to guidelines, to move away from candy and food gifts and veer more towards gift certificates and the like.

Black Tie Blue Jeans is tentatively moving back to May, possibly the 15th, with a live event preferred over a virtual event. It was discussed that the Main Street Green may be an outdoor option that could lend itself nicely to the event; the Chamber agreed to consider and discuss with Gold Junction Presents, which presides over the Main Street Green's use.

The success of the few Shop Local drive-by events was discussed and agreed that these events should continue and increase, even once COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, as they are a great way to get people out and visiting local shops. Several mentioned that visitors from other towns were also attending the Shop Local events because it made life and Whitehall seem more "normal" in light of the times we are living in.

Special guest Pam Hanna, RN from the Jefferson County Health Department spoke on the current vaccination schedule for the county, as the recipients and guidelines for vaccine distribution had also recently changed.

Phase 1A of the vaccines will be focused on frontline workers, long term care recipients, and assisted living residents. Phase 1B focuses on those 70+ years old and those 18-69 with at risk conditions (cancer, COPD, heart issues, etc.). Phase 1C includes frontline essential workers (school staff, grocery stores, libraries) and those 60+ years old. The remainder of Montana residents will fall in Phase 2 of the current plan.

Hanna stressed the importance of making an appointment and getting your name on the current waiting list. Contact the Jefferson County Health Department at 406-287-3429 or 406-225-4007 to get on the list.

"Currently we are focused on watching for side effects after the shot is given," Hanna said, which, in turn, makes any plans for drive-by vaccinations not possible at this time.

Alison Richardson from JLDC announced that while the Borden's conference room is still closed, JLDC is looking forward to its reopening, hopefully by the beginning of February.

"A significant amount of money has been put into the conference room for updates," Richardson said, noting that the room will be equipped with televisions for Zoom conferencing and more.

Jeannie Ferris from the Whitehall Library gave a quick overview of January and was excited to announce that the library's program are in full swing. Ferris also reported that the winter wear give-away the library does annually was a success, with three huge totes distributed. A private donor also provided ten kid's coats to gift to those in need.

The next meeting of the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will be held on February 4, 2021 beginning at noon. Please contact the Chamber (whitehallmtchamber@gmail.com or 406-287-2260) for location.