The Dolores Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center has teamed up with the Mancos and Cortez chambers to form the Montezuma Business Task Force.
The effort is to support local businesses during the coronavirus crisis.
The task force will consist of key organizations and business leaders, including Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado, Mesa Verde County Tourism Office, county and city officials, grant writing and fundraising professionals, and local business advocates.
“The task force has two major areas of focus,” said Susan Lisak, director of the Dolores Chamber. “Immediate crisis and business support, and business development ideas for our county.”
During the COVID-19 outbreak, the task force will focus on ways to connect businesses with various types of loans and grants locally, statewide and federally, and telling congressmen how they can help businesses best in Montezuma County.
To help determine needs, the task force is asking businesses to complete the Montezuma Business Survey. It is available on the chamber websites and Facebook pages or at bit.ly/2xBHc4u.
Survey results will be presented to local, state and federal legislators to communicate specific impacts on local businesses and indicate areas needing particular support or assistance.
To gather data and urge survey participation, the Montezuma Business Task Force has recruited volunteer Chamber ambassadors who will call area businesses to answer questions about the survey and listen to business needs.
To become a Chamber ambassador, contact Rocky Moss at info@cortezchamber.com.
The business community also is invited to join the Montezuma Business Coalition Facebook Group, where all area businesses can share updated information and ideas. The Facebook group is open to all.
A COVID-19 business directory is on the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce website.
The directory includes current information on business hours, business contact information and special instructions.
Businesses are encouraged to register on the directory, upload and update restaurant menus, drive-thru hours, delivery instructions, contact information and links.
For more information, contact Dolores Chamber Director Susan Lisak at 970-426-9902.