Chamber boosts reopen effort with ‘Starter Kit’ for small business
Bill Angeloni & Craig Hamilton of Vicor Restaurant Supply
Through a collaborative Mini-Grant program, The Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce distributed a “Starter Kit” to help small businesses secure the supplies they need to safely reopen.
More than 80 kits, each containing cleaning supplies and PPE gear, were distributed to local businesses.
“We are very excited to offer this program to our community,” said John Bast, current board president for the Chamber. “We see this as a way to help businesses and to play an active role in promoting a safe and responsible reopening of our local economy.”
The Safe Reopen Mini Grant is funded by the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce with the help of an anonymous private donation and additional contributions from the City of Sonoma , Bank of Marin , Exchange Bank , Redwood Credit Union , Union Bank , Mechanics Bank , Haeuser, Valluzzo & Piasta, LLP , and Payroll Masters .
“We sincerely appreciate the contributions that came in from our partners, which have allowed us to greatly expand this program,” said Mark Bodenhamer, Chamber CEO. “The City stepped up with a big donation that will get these kits out to many more small businesses and help to keep Sonoma Valley safe as we restart our economy.”
The Safe Reopen Starter Kit is available for purchase for any business in Sonoma Valley. The program was designed in partnership with Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau and Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance . The kits will be procured by Vicor Restaurant Supply, a local business based on 8th St East just outside the City of Sonoma.
“One of the best parts of this program is how hyper-local it is. We’re using a local business to access hard-to-find protective supplies for other local businesses. We’re even offering Hanson Spirits’ Hand Sanitizer as part of the kit,” Bodenhamer added. “We’re very excited to help our businesses get back on their feet safely and in a way that supports others in the Valley. It’s a win/win for sure.”
