Chamber hopeful public will continue to support local business

The executive director of the Oconee Chamber of Commerce is hopeful that Oconeeans will balance their need to follow proper health safety guidelines and still remember that local business needs their patronage during these difficult times. The chamber’s JoAnn Johnson says many in the local business community are concerned over whether they will be able to continue. “We have so many small businesses. In regards to our bars and restaurants, most all are offering takeout and curb services. Many are saying if you don’t feel comfortable coming in, stay in your call, call us and let us, we’ll bring your order out to your car.” That aside, Johnson says she is encouraged by a spirit of togetherness she senses from the community as a whole to be willing to help one another. “It’s times like this, she says, “that we find out what we are made of.”