Hawaii Chambers of Commerce, UHERO Field Follow-Up Survey to Gauge the Business Impact of COVID-19

News Release from Hawaii Chambers of Commerce, 07/17/2020

Chambers of Commerce across Hawaii and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) are partnering to field a survey to study the business impact of COVID-19.  The survey is being fielded in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Kauai Chamber of Commerce and Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. We encourage everyone to participate in this follow-up survey, whether or not you participated in the initial survey.

Businesses can click here to take the survey, which measures changes in employment and employee wages, monthly revenue and revenue sources, current state of operations and plan for trans-Pacific tourism opening, impact of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and business outlook.

“As Hawaii’s business community continues to struggle with the impact of COVID-19, it’s vital that we have an accurate representation of what local businesses are experiencing,” Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said. “Social media and word-of-mouth only tell part of the story. Participating in this survey will help us advocate for further assistance for local businesses.”

“Much has changed since our last survey,” UHERO Executive Director Carl Bonham said. “The PPP program was expanded and modified, the Kama’aina economy has re-opened, and tourism is expected to begin a gradual re-opening next month. This survey will provide invaluable information about what businesses are experiencing on the ground and how the changing environment is affecting their expectations.” 

This Chamber-UHERO survey follows up on an initial survey conducted in April, which found that one in four Hawaii businesses anticipate closing even after receiving PPP loans. Previous Chamber of Commerce Hawaii surveys have informed legislative and learning opportunities. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii offers resources for businesses on its Returning to Business…Safely COVID-19 page at www.cochawaii.org.