In partnership between the Galveston County Health District and local chambers of commerce, Galveston County Judge Mark Henry has formed a county-wide COVID-19 Business Taskforce to respond to the needs of the business community during the pandemic.
The purpose of the task force will be to develop and promote resources to assist the business community in remaining open while Galveston County continues to see cases increase. The resources will consist of items like guidelines and mitigation steps businesses can take to help slow the spread of the virus. The taskforce will also give businesses access to know what to do when staff or a customer have tested positive.
The City of League City formed an Emergency Turnaround Taskforce in April to assist with their business reopening process. This group has since developed and implemented several creative strategies similar to what this county-wide Taskforce is aimed at doing. In recognizing League City’s successful program, Judge Mark Henry appointed League City Councilman Hank Dugie to chair the task force and help put together a county-wide effort similar to what he developed for his city.
“I cannot think of any better person to help lead this effort with our local chambers than Councilman Hank Dugie,” said County Judge Mark Henry. “His leadership during this pandemic has helped the business community in the City of League City to safely reopen and we want him to create a similar concept county-wide.”
The Chambers of Commerce in Galveston County, including Bolivar Peninsula, Dickinson, Friendswood, Galveston, Hitchcock, League City, Santa Fe, and Texas City-La Marque, have been on the frontlines working with the business community during government stay-at-home orders and reopening plans. Recognizing the tremendous efforts and work the chambers have done, Judge Henry asked that they all serve on the task force to help bridge communications between businesses and government while identifying necessary resources the businesses need at this time.
“The partnership between the county and local chambers of commerce will create a powerful messaging and resource tool to help businesses navigate the challenges of COVID-19,” continued Henry. “Galveston County is very fortunate to be home to having some of the strongest and most active chambers in the State of Texas.”
“Thank you so much to Judge Henry for inviting local chambers of commerce to serve on this important task-force,” said Gina M. Spagnola, president and chief executive officer of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This was a brilliant decision to utilize the very heartbeat of the business community. The unified partnership between the County, Health District and the seven surrounding chambers of commerce will reap tremendous success for our Galveston County businesses and citizens.”
“Galveston County business owners are compassionate, and they care about their employees, customers, and the greater community,” said Hank Dugie, Council Member of the City of League City. “More than anything, they want to keep people safe. I am honored by Judge Henry for the opportunity to serve on the Galveston County COVID-19 Business Taskforce. The Taskforce met for the first time this week and is motivated to tackle the challenge. We are eager to continue down the road of educating and encouraging businesses and consumers to practice precaution in these uncertain times. We also want to celebrate establishments who are taking it upon themselves to go above and beyond. Remember when you are able - wear a mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick, and take responsibility for your actions. As always, we will persevere because our community, here on the Texas Gulf Coast, is strongest when it works together.”