Lewis County Together is a collaborative effort to keep Lewis County connected with local businesses, community resources, jobs, and more. This task force mobilized during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 to carry out programs and projects to benefit the community. To date, the task force has developed programs including:
- Launched www.lewiscountytogether.com to support Lewis County’s local economy. Information is posted countywide on the status of businesses open or closed and lists those offering curbside services or take out. The website lists business and community resources available for those affected by COVID-19 including federal, state, and local grant programs, and also lists job opportunities. View press release.
- PPE toolkits including signage, hand sanitizer, floor markets, cloth masks, and disposable masks. 500 toolkits were hand-delivered to LC businesses initially. Since then, distribution points have been set up across the county for businesses to obtain PPE products.
- Launched the online Lewis County Business Recovery Toolkit which offers relevant resources and best practices to help businesses navigate the challenging time. Tips and resources on preparing business workplaces, preparing employees to return to work, and communicating effectively with customers. Financial resources and links to Washington State reopening requirements are also included. The site is hosted on www.experiencechehalis.com. View press release.
- In partnership with the Lewis County Economic Development Council, $200,000 in small grants were disbursed to small businesses. Grants of $5,000 and $10,000 were awarded in July 2020 via an application process. Criteria included that the business is located in Lewis County, have no more than 20 employees, and have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. View press release.
- In partnership with the Lewis County Economic Development Council, $200,000 in non-profit grants were disbursed to non-profit organizations. Grants were awarded in September 2020 via an application process. Criteria included that the non-profit is located in Lewis County, have no more than 20 employees, and have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
- In partnership with the Lewis County Economic Development Council, $500,000 in grants were disbursed to non-profit organizations and small businesses. Grants were awarded in November 2020 via an application process. Criteria included that the business or non-profit is located in Lewis County, have no more than 20 employees, and have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The team meets weekly to coordinate programs and discuss new opportunities to serve the community through the COVID-19 pandemic.