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Chamber's COVID-19 economic task force wants to see "No Business Left Behind”

Chamber of Commerce chairperson, Ella Gurr
fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce has established its COVID-19 Economic Task Force (CETF), whose members are leaders representing various local industries. They had “very successful” first meeting on Tuesday, says Chamber chairperson Ella Gurr, who is also a member of the task force.

“Our task force theme — No Business Left Behind,” Gurr said Tuesday afternoon after the meeting, which she explained was attended by all business leader representatives with the exception of 3 task force members, who weren’t present.

“Each spoke on the impact per their respective industry,” she said. “The consensus of the task force was the need to work closely with ASG, the need for transparency within the local and federal government on spending and decisions.”

There is also the “need to have a plan in place for our economy to weather COVID19 pandemic economic impact now and moving forward,” she explained, noting that president of Wightman, Crane & Stuart, Taito Ali'itasi Mauga, was selected chair of the task force, under the direction of the Chamber.

The Chamber, “is extremely grateful for her acceptance and willingness to serve as the Chair for CETF during this time of crisis,” said Gurr.

“Our economy is facing an unprecedented crisis,” according to objectives of the task force listed on the meeting agenda.

 It explains that the Chamber “is marshaling all its resources to help companies stay afloat and keep paychecks flowing to our workers and families; mobilize the business community to combat the pandemic; and help companies prepare for a safe, successful and sustainable economy.”

Another objective is to partner with ASG to facilitate, formulate and strategize an economic plan for the next 6 months.

As previously reported by Samoa News, the Chamber in March this year submitted its COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan to ASG and its coronavirus task force, seeking various help for the private sector as a few businesses have closed and other businesses fleeing the financial burden of reduced hours. (See Samoa News edition Mar. 30th for the first story.)

Industries represented on the Chamber’s CETF are construction; manufacturing; wholesale; retail trade, transportation & warehouse; information; finance & insurance agencies; real estate, rental & leasing; professional services; accommodation & food service; technology; oil; fishing; and StarKist.