COVID-19, 16 March 2020
Dear FOAM member,
The Board of Directors and staff of FOAM know our responsibility is to provide solid leadership to all segments of the outfitter and guide industry. With the disruptions that COVID-19 has had on the day-to-day lives of millions around the world, we are acutely aware of the impacts the virus is having on every aspect of our industry and members.
We, as a community, must come together to address the inevitable impacts that coronavirus will have on our businesses. Using each other as resources will help us find solutions to minimize those financial implications and other hardships.
Our Board of Directors and staff have been in communication throughout the evolution of the pandemic. We are fortunate to have the business insights of every category in our industry represented on the board. We will share any resources we find to help soften the blow and position your business to weather the storm. We will be doing all we can to facilitate information flow that can be useful to your businesses.
We have been contacted by many members over the past week looking to us for advice or resources to help them weather the economic impacts of this market downturn, and impacts social distancing and travel restrictions will have on their businesses.
Talk directly with your insurance provider about your coverage and understand your options and next steps.
Small Business Administration
Also, the Small Business Administration has announced programs specifically for those affected by COVID-19. You can learn more here. Be sure to check your individual State’s Small Business section on their website for additional resources.
Fish & Wildlife Commission Meeting
The March 27th special meeting of the Fish & Wildlife Commission, slated to address the Madison River Recreation Plan, has been postponed. As yet, we do not know when it will be rescheduled. We will let you know as we get more information.
All our member businesses will be impacted to some degree by these unprecedented events. We understand that these are uncertain times. We also know that our community always finds a way to pull together and take care of its own. Any information or new programs we learn about will be shared immediately. Likewise, if you hear of anything or have advice to add to the conversation, please be in touch with me directly.
Thank you for your time,
mike
Michael A. Bias, Ph.D.
Executive Director
