(AURORA, IL, JUNE 15, 2020) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with Invest Aurora, are proud to announce the launch of the Regional Reopening Roadmap. Brought to you by Waubonsee Community College, the Regional Reopening Roadmap provides businesses across industries with a how-to for putting key guidelines into practice as they plan business reopening efforts in the age of COVID-19.
 
At 50+ pages, the Regional Reopening Roadmap is a robust yet practical reopening tool that will help businesses maintain safe working spaces and conditions, design and monitor workplace operations to create flexibility, and maintain safety for employees and customers. The Roadmap references many trusted health experts and government guidelines while providing easy-to-access references for the following:

• Understanding the Restore Illinois Plan and Stages

• Preparing Your Space (cleaning, disinfecting and assessing office layouts)

• Protecting Your Workforce (proper screening, PPE usage and spacing concerns)

• Communicating with Your Team (how and what to communicate, and updating policies)

• Limiting Liability

• Reopening Best Practices by Industry

“We created the Regional Reopening Roadmap to make the information businesses need to know about safely reopening accessible while also giving them best practices on how to navigate some of the difficult challenges with reopening,” said Jessica Linder Gallo, president & CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce. “As the trusted business resources in the greater Aurora region, it is as important as ever that we stand together and focus on the safety of our workforce, our businesses and our community.”
 
“Waubonsee Community Colleges is proud to be part of launching a tool that will help businesses across the region safely and successfully navigate the reopening process,” said Jamal Scott, Ed.D., Vice President of Strategic Development at Waubonsee Community College. “Waubonsee Community College’s dedication to helping students and organizations shape their own unique path to success is right in line with how this Roadmap will help businesses avoid common pitfalls on their road to reopening.”
 
Industry-specific Guidance
The Regional Reopening Roadmap also includes industry roundtable findings, a collection of challenges and best-practice advice from leading employers in the region. The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce and Invest Aurora hosted nine (9) virtual roundtable discussions with chamber members across key industries, including: Agriculture, Close Contact/Personal Services, Education/Childcare, Food Service, Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing/Logistics/Construction, Professional Services, and Retail. The findings are presented by industry to help similar businesses address and navigate industry-specific issues.
 
“We had tremendous roundtable participation from leading businesses in the region who shared invaluable insights and recommendations for overcoming specific challenges they face as they reopen,” said Bryan Gay, president & CEO of Invest Aurora. “Whether reopening in Phase 3, 4 or 5, the industry-specific findings in this Roadmap will help businesses create and maintain safe working environments that are aligned with state and federal guidelines.”
 
The Roadmap is the first of two reopening tools from the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce and Invest Aurora. The companion piece is the Regional Reopening Insights Report which will detail the findings from nearly 500 survey responses on reopening and will amplify the collective business voice of the Aurora region. The Insights Report will be released at the end of the June.
 
About the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst for business success. We unite businesses with the community to create economic prosperity while facilitating connections with community leaders. For more than 100 years, we have served the greater Aurora region across four counties (DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will), and currently represent nearly 600 businesses. We have earned the 5-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an honor bestowed on only 1% of Chambers nationwide. Learn more at aurorachamber.com.
 
About Invest Aurora
Invest Aurora is a 501c3 public/private economic development partnership dedicated to expanding economic opportunities in Aurora, Illinois. The organization is focused on the attraction, retention and promotion of businesses within the City of Aurora, and provides small-business grants and loans through its Finish Line Grant and John C Dunham Revolving Loan programs. Visit us to learn more at investaurora.org.
 

Colleen Doyle
Director of Member Engagement
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce
cdoyle@aurorachamber.com
630.222.8176
 
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