Recap: 5/29 COVID-19 Industry Partner Call

Dear Industry Partners:

Thanks to those who joined today’s call. Plan on 11 a.m. Friday, June 5, for the next call. Watch for an invitation with the call-in number. 

Here is the call summary: 

Tamara Pigott, VCB Executive Director, gave the STR Report for the week of May 17-23:
Occupancy 33.2%, down 49.7%
Avg. Daily Rate, $100.40, down 24.1%
RevPAR $33.35, down 61.9%

While all three factors are an improvement over the previous week, our occupancy and the percentage change on ADR did lag behind the other west coast counties. 

Dr. Chris Westley, RESTART SWFL, Dean of Lutgert College of Business, Florida Gulf Coast University, gave an overview of the RESTART SWFL initiative to help small businesses re-enter the marketplace and assist with helping businesses overcome the current lack of consumer confidence. Program includes panels for health, business and ethics for local businesses. Upon completion of two of the panels and agreeing to a pledge of principles, businesses will receive a logo/seal of confidence to display at their business and website to show they meet or exceed health standards. He noted that as of April, leisure and hospitality workers, normally at 20% of the workforce in Lee County, have fallen to 11%.

April 1 Coronavirus Economic Impact Report

May 12 follow-up report 

John Talmage, Lee County Economic Development (EDO) Director, gave an update on the Lee County CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act federal stimulus package. The application program launched this week and more than 4,000 business and 12,000 individuals started applications. He said they are seeing many incomplete applications and will be processing applications over the weekend. Eligibility requirements for each program can be found at https://leeflcares.com/. PPE distribution has gone smoothly and will continue next week for qualifying businesses. 
Unemployment rules change Monday, June 1, and will once again require proof that the person is seeking work.  
Paycheck Protection Program is still funding available. 

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Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) and VISIT FLORIDA webinar: “Back to Business,” 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 1. Join Carol Dover, President & CEO, FRLA, and Dana Young, President & CEO, VISIT FLORIDA, as they discuss highlights and updates on the current phase we are in, rebounding and getting back to business and more. Registration
Lee County: COVID-19 updates, beach openings, economic recovery resource portal and United Way 211 hotline
Lee County VCB: Virtual vacation, at-home activities, education & resources, Zoom backgrounds
Lee County Human and Veteran Services: Verification of employment / Loss of income form
Lee Care hotline: 239-533-2273
Federal resource: Opening Up America Again

Island Hopper Songs from the Sofa: Save the date for 8 p.m. Thursday, June 11, and enjoy an Instagram live performance by singer/songwriter Jay Allen. This event will be great preview leading up to Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 18-27. Visit @islandhopperfest on Instagram to watch the archived first Songs from the Sofa event with Sam James. 

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Stay in touch and let us know if we can help. Visit LeeVCB.com for updates. Thank you for all you do. Have a safe weekend.

Tamara Pigott
Executive Director

2201 Second Street, Suite 600 | Fort Myers, Fl 33901
Toll Free 800.237.6444 | Local 239.338.3500