The SoVa Task Force is launching a survey today to assess the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 on restaurants in the region.
Restaurants can access the survey at this link. The survey also will be posted on the social media sites of the City of Danville Office of Economic Development, the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.
Restaurants in Danville will receive a postcard from the City of Danville Office of Economic Development with information about the survey.
“We recognize the restaurant industry has faced — and continues to face — tremendous challenges because of the pandemic,” said Corrie Bobe, director of economic development for the City of Danville. “Restaurant owners and operators were forced to close their dining rooms, reduce their hours, or close entirely. Today, they continue to face a number of challenges.
“We need to know what the restaurants are doing differently and how we can best assist with the resources we have available.”
Alexis Ehrhardt, president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, encouraged all restaurants to take part.
“We have an outstanding group of partners focused on the short- and long-term success of our business community,” Ehrhardt said. “The more we understand about the unique challenges facing our restaurants, the more we can do to leverage existing resources and create new opportunities as we continue to move through economic recovery.”
Linda Green, president of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, pointed out that the survey is open to restaurants not only in Danville and Pittsylvania County but also to restaurants in Martinsville and the counties of Halifax, Henry, and Patrick.
"The SoVa Task Force was formed in March 2020 as a way for localities, chambers of commerce, and planning districts to share resources and information to benefit businesses across the region,” Green said. “This survey is a continuation of the task force’s efforts and will provide valuable insight into the state of the restaurant industry so that we can bring solutions to bear to support businesses.”
The survey comprises questions regarding pandemic challenges, current operations and resources needed. Responses will remain anonymous.
The survey will be open to Sept. 3.