COVID-19 VACCINES resouRce CENTER

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted every industry of our nation's economy. Hardest hit were small businesses , especially in communities of color . Many have been forced to close and more are struggling to stay open. The only way to change this trend is by fully reopening the economy, and that cannot happen until enough Americans are vaccinated . The group that can be the most effective in this area is also the most impacted by the pandemic: small business owners. Small business is the most trusted institution in the United States, according to Gallup, and represents more than 90% of all businesses in the country. Business ownership is also a proven path to addressing the racial wealth gap. Before the pandemic, 43% of small businesses were opened in low-wealth communities, creating jobs and income in these economically disadvantaged areas. A completely reopened economy will allow businesses to operate at full capacity, bring normalcy back to communities, and reduce staffing issues caused by Covid-19 exposure and infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 70-85% of Americans need to receive the vaccine to achieve herd immunity. For that to happen as quickly as possible, more small business owners need to become vaccine champions, starting with themselves and their businesses. Our organizations jointly fielded a survey this year of more than 3,300 U.S. small employers and found that 64% say it is very important that their employees get vaccinated. More than half have had formal conversations, including staff meetings and one-on-ones with employees, and more than 80% of respondents are willing to encourage and incentivize employees to get vaccinated. The survey also found that 80% of small business owners plan to get a vaccine, which is 10% higher than the overall public. While these numbers are encouraging, they also demonstrate why they can and should be higher. With all of the misinformation that was purposefully or accidentally shared in the past year, it is understandable to be skeptical about the vaccine. Since employees often look to their employers for information, it is important to remind them that all FDA-authorized Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They will not alter one's DNA nor give people Covid-19 or cause them to test positive for it. Covid-19 vaccines are free, and people do not need insurance or money to get vaccinated or to worry about any co-payments, deductibles, or unexpected bills for receiving one. Nobody has to take our word for this, either. Many agencies and organizations, including the CDC, have compiled easy-to-digest information packets discussing the safety and benefits of the vaccines. If small business owners are willing to champion vaccines, they need to do at least two things: 1) get the vaccine when it is their turn, and 2) create a vaccine plan for their employees. A good vaccine plan aligns with state or local vaccine policies, is clearly communicated to employees, and includes incentives, such as paid time off for employees to get the shot(s) and recover from side effects if they occur. It should also follow the CDC's guidance on wearing masks and social distancing, even after all employees are vaccinated. Small business owners who want to do more can encourage local community members to receive the vaccine. There are a number of ways to do this, ranging from helping reduce vaccine hesitancy among friends, family, and peers to spreading awareness or providing logistical support. This is not only good for the health of the community, but it will restore the confidence of people who will be comfortable going back to normal with a fully reopened Main Street. It has been a hard year, but small businesses across America have banded together and come up with creative ways to stay afloat. With the country being so close to the end of the pandemic, the leadership of small businesses is needed to get us there faster. Ron Busby Sr. is president and chief executive of the U.S. Black Chambers Inc. Ramiro A. Cavazos is president and chief executive of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Chiling Tong is president and chief executive of the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship. Rhett Buttle, founder of Public Private Strategies, served as national business adviser to the Biden campaign. This piece originally appeared in Inc. on April 13, 2021.

Just over a year into the pandemic, small businesses are still struggling to regain their footing. Just last week, the Senate offered a helping hand, voting to extend the $718 billion Paycheck Protection Program until May 31 . And as vaccination rates rise and Covid-19 restrictions ease, a return to normalcy seems within reach. Before that can happen, though, small business owners will need to overcome another obstacle: getting their employees vaccinated. Many seem to be tackling it head on. According to a recent survey of more than 3,300 small business owners by Reimagine Main Street, in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce , 64% of respondents say it’s very important that their employees get vaccinated. Moreover, 63% are willing to encourage and incentivize employees to get their shots. Close to half (45%) plan to motivate their workers to do so by giving them paid time off—for AAPI employers, that number is 53%. “These are very difficult times for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and we need to make it to the end of this pandemic so the recovery can begin,” says Chiling Tong, president and CEO of the National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship. “AAPI small business owners can lead this effort by championing the Covid-19 vaccines.” “These are very difficult times for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and we need to make it to the end of this pandemic so the recovery can begin.” Chiling Tong, president and CEO of the National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 70% and 85% of Americans will need to receive the vaccine for the country to achieve herd immunity. Then, and only then, can businesses fully reopen. When small businesses employ more than 60 million U.S. adults, or 18% of the population, according to the Small Business Association, they stand to play a significant role in getting the economy back on track. It seems they’re up for the challenge: Nearly one in five (19%) intend to mandate that employees get the vaccine. Perhaps most importantly, 19% of Black business owners say they’ll pay workers bonuses for getting vaccinated. Such an incentive, says Ron Busby, president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, won’t just benefit small businesses’ workers, but their communities, as well. “We know the most important thing we can do to have people overcome vaccine hesitancy is to hear from trusted messengers like small businesses in their community.” Kristina Schake, Counselor to U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary  “Given the leadership roles Black small business owners have in their communities, it is crucial that they champion the vaccine so communities can reopen and recover faster,” he says. “Employees often look to their employers for information so business owners have the potential to persuade many Black adults, especially young adults, to receive the vaccine.” To further this effort, Reimagine Main Street has launched a nationwide vaccine education and outreach campaign with more than 400 small business owners and leaders. In a public event announcing the initiative, Kristina Schake, counselor to the secretary of health and human services and the Biden administration’s lead for public education efforts said, “We know the most important thing we can do to have people overcome vaccine hesitancy is to hear from trusted messengers like small businesses in their community.” This piece originally was posted in Forbes on April 7, 2021.

Small businesses fully reopening is critical to putting our economy on the path to recovery. The three Covid-19 vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will allow us to operate at increased capacity, reopen communities, and reduce staffing issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 70-85% of Americans need to receive the vaccine to achieve herd immunity and fully reopen the economy. As small business owners, we can play a critical role in making that happen as quickly as possible by championing the vaccine with our employees and in our community. Small businesses are the backbone of the nation’s economy, and have large influence in America’s communities. We account for almost half of the country’s economic activity, two-thirds of new jobs, and employ more than half of all Americans. According to Gallup, small business is also the most trusted institution in the United States. Vaccines are on the minds of most small employers and their employees according to a national survey conducted by Reimagine Main Street and its partners the U.S Black Chambers, Inc ., the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce , and National ACE . Other business organizations like the National LGBT Chamber , Women Impacting Public Policy , and the National Association of Women Business Owners are stepping up to educate their members. Read more insights about small businesses owners’ perceptions about the Covid-19 vaccines here. To get our businesses and communities up and running as quickly as possible, we have pledged to be SMALL BUSINESS VACCINE LEADERS with our employees and in our communities. As part of our pledge, we commit to taking actions such as creating a vaccine plan for our employees and ourselves and assisting with vaccine promotion and distribution in our communities. To support your efforts, Reimagine Main Street compiled vaccine resources for small business owners , such as tip sheets and tools. The sooner Main Street is able to fully reopen, the sooner our businesses and our economy will be on the road to recovery. We urge all small business owners to pledge to help bring us to that point. Become a Small Business Vaccine Leader today and sign the pledge. Small Business Owners who have signed the pledge: Patricia Bush, Sustainable Facilities Management Services, Ceo, Washington, Dc Amy Baxter, Pain Care Labs (A Dba Of Mmj Labs), Ceo, Atlanta, Ga Victoria Newman, Greenwich Education Group, Founder And President, Stamford, Ct Willie Mallard, Gold Star Hvacr Llc, Owner, Madison, Wisconsin Rachel-Yvonne Talton, Synergy, Ceo, Akron, Ohio Temitope Toriola, Chaoticfox Llc, Owner, Phoenix, Az Mark Olinger, "The Big Bear Group, Llc", Manager, Mount Vernon, Tx Steven Held, Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center, Executive Director, Middle Island, Ny Jackie Hueftle, Kilter, Coo, Boulder, Co B, Harvey Bconstrux, President/Ceo, Washington, Dc Rama K Paruchuri, Datahash Llc, It, Ann Arbor, Michigan Josh Lewin, Juliet + Company, Owner, Somerville, Ma Elizabeth D Wilson, Georgia Micro Enterprise Network, Executive Director, Atlanta, Ga Nancy Monacelli, Mama Monacelli's Kitchen, Owner, Dayton, Wa Amanda Manigault, Amanda’s Art Of Cosmetology Institute, Ceo, Atlanta, Georgia Mandy Sim, Jam Time, Business Owner, Maynard, Ma Sheina Waddell, "Waddell Entertainment Consultants, Llc", President, Alexandria, Va Uniquia Manigault, I Am Uniquia Co. - Uniquia’s Performing Arts Academy, Ceo, Union City, Georgia Paula Fialkoff, E-Synergy Builders Llc, Ceo, North Las Vegas, Nevada Michelle Moran, Litl Pond Hospitality Group, Owner, Blue Ridge, Georgia Roderick Liptrot, "Alexander And Kennedy Financial Group, Llc", Managing Partner, Milton, Ga Reginald "Swift, Ph.D", Rubix Ls, Founder & Ceo, Lawrence, Ma Nicole Tribble, "Forever29, Llc", President, Fort Worth, Tx Raquel Valdez Sanchez, Bcl Of Texas, Coo, Austin, Texas Phillip Caldwell Ii, Resolute Educational Solutions, President, Detroit, Mi Katharine Chestnut, Alkaloid Networks, Founder, Atlanta, Ga Shantel Bacchus, Bacchus Insurance Group, Owner, Germantown, Wi Rev Victor, Fakondo, Marie's Allied Health &Technical Institute, Executive Director, Somerset, New Jersey Nikita Marshall, Kitas Crystal World, Owner, Geneva, Oh Pamela Joiner, Municipal Market, Manager, Atlanta, Ga Trevor Pearson, "Trevor Pearson Group, Inc.", President And Chief Executive Officer, Atlanta, Ga Susan Glosby, Flex Office + Coworking, Founder, Springfield, Va Quent Blodgett, Budget Blinds & Inspired Drapes Of Boise & Nampa, Owner, Meridian, Idaho John Bridgeland, Civic, Founder And Ceo, Washington, Dc Lee Rosenberg, Navigating Preparedness Associates, Managing Director, Lafayette, Ca Alice Diamant, Fitwell, President & General Manager, Castroville, Tx Harry Crawford, "Theophilus Operating Co., Llc", Managing Member, Houston, Tx Lisa Smith, The Coaching Center For Mindtraining And Success, "Founder, Head Trainer And Coach", Virginia Beach, Virginia Germano, Brandes, Acckr, Dr., Baltimore, Md Martina Edwards, Access To Capital For Entrepreneurs, Chief Of Strategic Partnerships, Atlanta, Georgia Kristine Brennan, "Brennan & Co, Llc", Owner, Queen Creek, Arizona Shandra Stringer, Grassroots Consulting Inc, President, West Palm Beach, Florida Lee Moultrie, "Lee H. Moultrie & Associates, Llc", Ceo, North Charleston, South Carolina Tess Brunet, Lagniappe Records, Owner, Lafayette, Louisiana Patricia Roberts, "Menlo Medical Mart, Inc.", President, Richmond, Ca Mezaun Norman, Telefix Technologies Llc, Ceo/ Founder/Principal, Newark, Delaware Deanne Giese, Meticulous Machining, Ceo, Wooster, Oh Angela Davis, Park Place Premier Barber School, Owner, New Orleans, La Marcia Duncan, "Ashmar International Technology, Inc", President, Lanhan, Md Dene Peachey, Budget Blinds Cape Cod Co Owner, Mashpee, Massachusetts Rachel Sigler, F45 Training East Nashville, Owner, Nashville, Tn Linda Bessmer, "Muses3, Llc", "Managing Partner, President & Ceo", Houston, Tx Stephen Yemm, Yemm & Hart Ltd, President, Marquand, Mo Pamela Mcmichael, Trustworthy Staffing Solutions. Llc, President, Baltimore, Maryland Birdie Curran, Feed The Birdies, Owner, Allen, Tx Elise Jackson, Cruise Planners, Travel Specialist, Streamwood, Il Adam Orman, L'oca D'oro, Co-Owner, Austin, Tx David Changar, Royal Automation Supplies Corp., President, Bronx, New York Tonya Gross, Shop Small Chicago, Operator, Chicago, Il Stephanie Voss, Voss Violins Llc, President, Atlanta, Ga Marsha Winstead, "Winrock Productions, Llc", Majority Member/Manager, Matthews, Nc Sheila Boyington, Thinking Media - Learning Blade, Ceo, Chattanooga, Tn Anita Brightman, A. Bright Idea Advertising And Pr, Ceo, Bel Air, Md Rachel Schuster, Ewe & You Fiber Arts, Owner, Windsor, Ct Annmarie O'shea, Amos & Advisors, President & Ceo, Maple Glen, Pennsylvania Janelle Miley, Global Strategies Llc, Ceo, Fort Myers, Florida Teresa Reis, Reis Services, Owner, Woburn, Ma Angela Jenkins, "Spectrum Partners, Llc", Pres-Ceo, Cherry Hill, New Jersey Christopher Centi, Centi Astro Space Activities, Ceo/Space Science Educator, Brocton, New York Ny Whitaker, Project Nyne Production, Founder & Chief Strategist, New York, New York Cindy Ramos -Davidson, El Paso Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce, Ceo, El Paso, Texas Duncan Mcclellan, Duncan Mcclellan Gallery, Owner, St. Petersburg, Fl Shayai Lucero, Earth & Sky Floral Designs, Owner And Floral Designer, Laguna, New Mexico Reverend Sarah Garner, National Evangelist Ministries, President And Founder, Oakland, California Prasad Somanna, "Innocom, Inc.", President, Ewing Township, Nj Brandon Bentley Luxury Wash, Ceo, Austell, Georgia Molly Bakewell Chamberlin, "Embassy Global, Llc", President & Principal Consultant, Hamburg, New York Anthony Tripodo, East Coast Resources Llc, Managing Director, Miami Shores, Fl Edmond Johnson, Premier Manufacturing, President, Longmont, Colorado Terrence Payne, "Tmm Enterprises Group, Inc", Ceo, Los Angeles, Ca Paul Musumba, Edu Prime Llc, Head Of Operations, Philadelphia, Pa Mary-Ann Ortiz-Luis, Clarmil Manufacturing Corporation, President, Hayward, California Lisa Apolinski, 3 Dog Write Inc., Ceo, Gilbert, Az Beatriz Melo, "O Done, Llc (Dba) Proactive House", President & Founder, Long Island City, Ny Paul Hollowell, Lux, Founder, Dallas, Tx Conchie Fernández, Cf Creative, Managing Partner, Boca Raton, Florida James Hock, The Home Collection - Charlotte's Boutique Furnished Residences, Ceo, Charlotte, Nc Lenora Paige, Flower City Monitor Services Ltd., President, Rochester, New York Chiling Tong, Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber Of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National Ace), President And Ceo, Washington, Dc Joshua Velasco, Joshua A Velasco, Owner, Duluth, Mn Jon Kim, Pour Taproom, Owner/Operator, Atlanta, Georgia Iesha Morgan, Taxstars Llc, Owner, Dearborn, Mi Cynthia D'angelo, Armonk Center For Dance, Artistic Director, Armonk, Ny Esmaeil Noori, New Air Inc., Ceo, Santa Clarita, Ca Wayne Smith, Waynesmith&Associates, President/Ceo, Springfield, New Jersey Jessica Castner, Castner Incorporated, President And Principal, Grand Island, New York Ron Schmidt, The Planning Group, Owner/Founder, Portland, Or Karyn Tareen, Geocove, Ceo, Amherst, New York Vara Suresh, My Maids, Director, Orange Park, Fl Deborah Smook, Turbofil Packaging Machines, Owner, Mount Vernon, Ny Michelle O'grady, Team Friday, Ceo, Los Angeles, Ca Ken Joy, Era Queen City Realty, Manager, Scotch Plains, New Jersey Lisa Tillman, Regional Interfaith Association (Rifa), Executive Director, Jackson, Tennessee Robert Terrell, District Logistics Llc, President, Washington, Dc Kahley Malloy, Cumberland Recycling, Owner / Principal, Franklin, Tn Linda Ruggiero, Willett Vacuum Of Larchmont, Owner, Larchmont, Ny Kim Alfonso, Results One Llc, Ceo, Washington, Dc Kimberly King, Kimberly A King Dds, Owner, Angleton, Texas Ryan Buchanan, Noni's Bar & Deli, General Manager, Atlanta, Georgia Gregory Pereira, "First Steps Urban Outreach, Inc.", President, Bronx, New York Carolyn Campbell, "Studio Ccla, Llc", Principal, Philadelphia, Pa Gerald Seals, Baby B.A.C.K. Inc., President & Ceo, Syracuse, New York Anja Bump, Twofold Inc., Founder & Ceo, Portland, Oregon Tim Jones, Act, Gm, Los Angeles, Ca Heidi Hill Drum, Tahoe Prosperity Center, Ceo, Incline Village, Nevada Mary Webber, L&R Human Resource Consulting, Owner & Ceo, Bossier City, La Gerald Lee, "Advanced Communications Concepts, Inc.", President & Ceo, Augusta, Georgia Sung Hyong, Our Bar Atl, Co-Owner, Atlanta, Georgia Marcharie Chambliss, Phoenix Project; Community Development Foundation. Inc., Board Member, Fayette, Ms Paulette Mcclain, Madame Paulette's Regal Services Llc, Regal Coordinator Manager, Tampa, Fl Iesha Morgan, Taxstars Llc, Owner, Dearborn, Mi Rhonda Stark, Orangetheory Fitness, Owner, Akron, Ohio Anne Gordon, Live Life Travel, "Founder, Leisure Travel Advisor", Saratoga Springs, New York Anissa Hemingway, Professional Hospice And Palliative Care, Ceo, Snellville, Georgia Sebastian Swae, Anoloriya Llc, Principal, Grand Haven, Mi Emily Peck, Clay Art Center, Executive Director, Port Chester, Ny Oluwaseun Kudaisi, Victory Products Llc, President, Winter Haven, Florida Michele Calloway, Exit Realty Quality Solutions, Managing Broker /Owner, Marietta, Ga Mark Burdette, "Photomarque, Llc", "Owner, Photographer", Colleyville, Tx Anne Hubatch, Helioterra Wines, Owner/Winemaker, "Portland, Or", Or Carolina De Martino, Northland Professional, Owner, Heber, Utah Joshua Velasco, Joshua A Velasco, Owner, Duluth, Mn Karrye Braxton, "Global Business Solutions, Inc.", President & Ceo, Atlant, Ga Luis Delahoz, Shccnj, Chairman Board Of Directors, Edison, Edison Susan Ringey, "Doggie Play Zone, Inc", Owner, Ida, Michigan Chris Wood, Paige Technologies, President, Overland Park, Ks Christopher Tarantino, Epicenter Innovation, Ceo, Denver, Colorado Martha Ehlman, Tenfold Fair Trade Collection, President, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Heidi Pickman, Cameo- California Association For Micro Enterprise Opportunity, "Vp, Policy And Programs", San Francisco, Ca Maria Whittingham, Maria Luisa, Owner, Nyack, Ny Pamelya Herndon, Kwh Law Center For Social Justice & Change, Ceo, Albuquerque, Nm Doris Moore Bailey, "The African American Chamber Of Commerce Polk County, Inc.", President, Lakeland, Florida Lisa Elstun, Fashion Design Center Denver, Ceo/Founder, Denver, Co Gregory Pereira, "First Steps Urban Outreach, Inc.", President, Bronx, New York Kevin Moore, Kevin Moore Construction, Owner, Philadelphia, Pa Brock Blake, Lendio, Co-Founder / Ceo, Lehi, Utah Kevin Perry, "Kap Insurance Agency, Llc", President, Raleigh, Nc Madonna Long, Summit Services & Supplies, Owner, Kemmerer, Wy Maria Molina, Solano, National Latina Business Women Association-Ie, Executive Director, Rancho Cucamonga, California Gloria Sevilla, E & G Interiors Corp, Owner, Valley Stream, Ny Cathedral St. Augustine's, Cathedral St. Augustine's, Administration, Washington, District Of Columbia Oliverkhiowboong Heng, Mastrade Biotechnology/Enterprise, "Dr Heng, Ipm Ag.", Johor, Johor Philip Mitrovich, Ptk Restorations Llc, Owner, New York, Ny Hendy Bynoe, Ready's Transportation Enterprise Llc, Owner Operator, Troy, Ny Stephanie Voss, Voss Violins Llc, President, Atlanta, Ga Amy Dagliano, Rowan Tree, Owner, Herndon, Virginia Sarah Baldwin, Bella Luna Toys, Owner/President, Rockland, Me Monica Stynchula, "Reunioncare, Inc.", Ceo, Clearwater, Fl Catherine Pera, Bison Scaffold & Masons Supply, President, Buffalo, Ny Carolyn Carlson, Data-Clear, President, Arlington, Va Roosvelt Simil, "Familegacy Enterprise, Llc D/Ba H&R Block", Franchisee, Forest Park, Ga Rachel Eisenfeld, Elden Street Tea Shop, Owner, Herndon, Va Paula C Fiscal, San Francisco Investment Development, Owner/Ceo, San Francisco, Ca Geraldine Keogh, The Dessert Ladies, Owner, Stirling, New Jersey Julia Hays, Hays Innovations, Vp, Toledo, Oh Rohit Anand, Vision Fulfill Digital Consulting Llc, Founder, Austin, Texas Patricia Fisher, "Janus Software, Inc. (D/B/A Janus Associates)", President & Ceo, Stamford, Ct Kristin Horowitz, The Pad Climbing, Ceo, San Luis Obispo, Ca Shawn Lord, Skies The Limit Academy, Co-Owner, Sterlling, Va Sally Cole, Falls Church Chamber Of Commerce, Executive Director, Falls Church, Va Ray Rico, "Ray Rico Freelance, Llc", Owner, Memphis, Tn Paula Cassell, Long & Foster Real Estate Inc., Realtor, Washington, Dc Noreen Wise, Gallant Gold Media, "Founder, Ceo & Managing Director ", Fairfax, Virginia William Stone, Atlas Cafe Inc, Owner, San Francisco, Ca Deborah Leiva, Little Daydreamers Learning Center, Director, New York, New York Dorene Rivera, Dcg Media Group Llc, Ceo, Guttenberg, New Jersey Bennie Hayden, Marketingforgreen Llc, Founder, Atlanta, Ga Earl Brown, Ocm Advisory Group Llc, Managing Member, Montclair, Nj Debi Hearn, Vickers And White Law Pllc, Office Manager, Montgomery, Al Patricia Barnette, Barnette Enterprise Inc., Ceo, Leesburg, Fl Tj Espinoza, Espinoza, The Fresh Lime, Owner, College Place, Washington Thomas Jones, Aerospace Museum Of California, Executive Director, Mcclellan, Ca Elizabeth Boucher-Jordan, Paws First, Owner, Edison, Nj Star Greenwood, "Mayu Silk Art, Llc", Owner, Huntington Beach, California Shawn Parker, Tokyomoto, Manager, San Francisco, Ca Douglas Lezameta, Fusion Latina Network, Ceo, Walnut Creek, Ca Tiffany Turner, Adrift Hospitality, Ceo, Long Beach, Washington Di Tran, Louisville Institute Of Technology, Ceo, Louisville, Ky Jennifer Masuda, Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Service Center, Executive Director, San Jose, Ca Wendy Fok, "We-Designs, Llc", Managing Partner, New York, New York Andy Au, Andy Au And You! Entertainment, Ceo - Chief Entertainment Officer, South Pasadena, California John Patu, Samoana Media Llc, Founder, Kaneohe, Hawaii Christen Montero, Marketing Consultancy Agency, Founder, Riverside, Ca Cecil Jack, Jack-Novicio Inc, Ceo, Sacramento, Ca Jacqueline Tomlinson, Jacky Tomlinson Financial Services Advisor, President, Malibu, Ca Hsiu Chang, "Formosa Investments, Llc", Owner, Bedford, New Hampshire Barika Porter, Successfulbloom Llc, Founder And Ceo, Ashburn, Va Natalie Butts, The Yellow Canary, Owner, Jackson, Tennessee Salathaniel Brown, Brown's Rims & Tires, Owner, Greensboro, Nc Karen Eng, Csmi, Ceo/President, Schaumburg, Illinois Jonathan Wu, Privacywall, Co-Founder And Ceo, San Juan, Puerto Rico Jean Stuart, Good Steward Cleaning Services Llc, Owner, Philadelphia, Pa Dara Bortman, Exact Solar, Sr Vp Marketing/Sales, Yardley, Pa Thomas, Choi, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Sbdc Manager, Chicago, Il Bob Goodman, Robert Goodman Jewelers, Owner, Zionsville, In Giesila Mcguire, Binyard Specialty Cleaning, Owner, Omaha, Ne Bryan Ramos, Ramos Law Firm, Attorney, Atlanta, Ga Ryan Difranco, Difranco's, Owner, Denver, Co Derrick Butler, Krisspi Technologies Inc, Ceo, Concord, Ca Rafael Roger, Business Initiative Corporation Of Ny, Executive Director, Bronx, New York Debra Goodier, "Ware River Consulting, Llc", President & Ceo, Ware Neck, Va Angelique Sieverson, Assisted Living Locators, Owner, Thousand Oaks, Ca Chung Chiu, Rei Zhen, Owner, Aurora, Colorado Angela Cabrera, "Alegnatechnologies, Inc.", Founder/Ceo, Kennesaw, Ga Rokando Barrero, The Box Gallery, Hispanic Small Business Owner, West Palm Beach, Florida Sharon Byrd, Byrd Consultants Llc, President And Ceo, O’fallon, Illinois Wanda Abbott, Weddings-By-Wanda, Owner, Greensboro, North Carolina Mark Quinlan, Clear Medicare Options, President, Manchester, Connecticut Brian Carmichael, Carmichael Consulting Llc, Owner, Oviedo, Fl Alison Helleberg, "United Manufacturers, Inc. Dba Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats", "Vice President, Business Development", Fond Du Lac, Wi Daniel Polonia, Danpo_Mkg@Outlook.Com, Owner, Piscataway, Nj Mary Jordan Johnson, Ntrigue Custom Creations, Owner, Chicago, Illinois Arlanzzia Willingham, Preztige Medical Transportation, Owner And Manager, Sterling Heights, Mi Wayne Cameron, White Pine Chamber Of Commerce, Executive Director, Ely, Nevada Laura Gimpelson, Lgee, President, Nashville, Tn Arturo C Guevara, Us Ttg Llc, Business Owner, Coral Gables, Fl Christine Jahan, Christine Jahan Designs, Interior Designer, Glendora, Ca John Flemal, Urban Lift Salon, Owner, Chicago, Il Lisa Omboni, Mainsource Realty, Owner/Broker, Dobbs Ferry, Ny Tamisha Good, Concierge Healthcare Training Services & Consultants, Owner, Brandon, Florida Terry Ruiz, A&M Design Print, Owner, Corona, Ca Kip Pagach, Fairwater Associates, Principal, Norfolk, Va Reginald Huff, 4 Sho Mobile Drug Testing, Ceo, Atlanta, Georgia Vanessa Sterling, Desoto Chamber Of Commerce, President, Desoto, Texas Mathurada Rath, Dr.May's Thai Kitchen Llc, Owner, Athens, Oh Dina Wagner, Michigan Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce, Membership And Program Director, Canton, Mi Herman Ortiz, Great Care Company, Owner, Denver, Co Anna Garzzia, Collision Course Auto Body Inc., President, Reseda, Ca Shante Roddy, Intuitive Risk Management Intl, Ceo, Cleveland, Oh Rehana Gaffar, Ana Management, President, West Palm Beach, Florida Sean Harrington, Aging In My Place Mobility Services Llc, Member, Waterford, Mi Willie Clayborn, Clayborn Tax & Multiservices, Owner, San Diego, Ca Mike Castro, Maria's Health Shoppe (Wilmington), Co-Owner, Wilmington, North Carolina Mel Blain, Posh Cycling And Fitness, Owner, College Park, Maryland Mina Markovic, Mina Markovic Energy Consulting, Energy Consultant, Colebrook, Ct Dianne Jaggon, Dianne A Jaggon Pa, Owner, Ronkonkoma, New York Bradley, Norman, "Br2vets Design Consulting Firm, Llc", Ceo, Nampa, Idaho Heather Bauer, Council On Aging Of Buncombe County, Executive Director, Asheville, Nc Nicholas Sicora, Disaster And Disability Consultants Llc, Ceo, North Brunswick, New Jersey Sharons Ramos, Sharonscleanigservice, President, Martinsville, Va Griselda P Oaxaca, Dyslexia Institutes Of America, Owner, El Paso, Texas Marie Robinson, Nercher Older Adult Community Resource, President, Brunswick, Tn Victor Ng, Clear Skies Title, Partner, Millburn, New Jersey Laura Martin, Progressive Leadership Alliance Of Nevada, Executive Director, Las Vegas, Nv Kurt Daurizio, 1748 Bakehouse, Owner, Jacksonville, Fl Eva Hardrick, "Northside Community Involvement, Inc.", Executive Director, Jacksonville, Florida Cecilia Zavala, Be Social Productions, Event Producer, Los Angeles, Ca Patrick Mulvaney, B&L, Owner, Sacramento, Sacramento Isza Aich, Absolute Dentistry Ltd., Dentist, Chicago, Illinois Ervan Miller, Freedom House Development Group, Founder, Pompano Beach, Florida Stacy Johnston, The Studio Seal Beach, Owner, Seal Beach, Ca Sylvia Tucker, Salon~Derful, Owner, Memphis, Tn Sam Matthews, Shepherd's Center Of Greater Winston-Salem, Executive Director, Winston-Salem, N.C. Lina Kennedy, Alexandria Professional, President, Williamsville, Ny Cynthia Ishikawa, Masa Fujioka & Associates, Managing Partner, Aiea, Hawaii Jeneane Chirico, Annadale Family Pharmacy Inc., Owner, Staten Island, Ny Jason Waskey, Blue Crab Strategies, Ceo, Washington, Dc Kimberly Melo, Kimelo's Lc, Owner, Goose Creek, Sc Dr. Purnima Voria, National Us India Chamber Of Commerce, Founder And Ceo, Denver, Colorado Monique Smaller, "Lagrande Josiane Usa, Llc ", Director, Roswell, Ga Michelle Tomallo, Fit Technologies, Chief People Officer, Cleveland, Oh Nikesha Tilton, Ptr Global Solutions, Owner, Montgomery, Al Janice Johnson, "Ultimate Coastal And Urban Properties, L.L.C.", Owner/Managet, Brunswick, Ga Patricia Rosario, Unique Models And Marketing, Founder, Bronx, New York Master Sergeant (Ret), Baisden, Southern Crescent Veterans Services Inc, Vice President Of Operations, Stockbridge, Georgia Arnettia Wyre, "Omniquest Youth Empowerment Initiative, Inc.", Founder And Ceo, Washington, Dc Jessica Li, Gnomedica Llc, Co-Founder, Magnolia, Tx Masaru Torito, Kokoro Restaurant, Owner, Denver, Co Giovanna Piovanetti, Cofecc/Lendreams, Executive President, San Juan, Puerto Rico Kelley Styring, Styring Vineyards Llc, Co-Owner, Newberg, Or Diane Crosby, Diane Ladylaw’s Professional Office Services, Founder/President, Peoria, Arizona Judith Miller, "Miller & Associates, Llc", Ceo, Rochester, Ny Sandra Seltz, Consider It Done Housecleaning, Owner, Las Vegas, Nv Qianna Smith Bruneteau, American Influencer Council, Founder, New York, New York Sharon Opoola, Real Connections Llc, Cno, Chicago, Illinois Stacey Brown, Signarama Silver Spring, President, Silver Spring, Md Britt Stillwell, The Compliance Firm, President, Los Angeles, Ca Rosie Riddick, "Rbm&M Trucking, Llc", Owner, Brockton, Ma Tammy Surratt, Morris, Lexington Souvenir Shoppe, Owner, Lexington, Nc Julia Hays, Hays Innovations, Vp, Toledo, Oh Anel Colina, Juicy-O Restaurant, Owner, Naperville, Illinois Traci Thompson, Dr. Traci’s House Inc, Ceo And President, Tampa, Florida Ade Macgregor, Ade Macgregor & Associates Co., Principal, Virginia Beach, Va Vivina Ma, Vsm Consulting, Ceo, Mt. Prospect, Illinois Tori Ponder-Brown, The Pilates Room & Antigravity Studio, Managing Partner, Ithaca, Ny Lamar Heystek, "Asian, Inc.", President, San Francisco, Ca Casey Gierke, Albugierke Environmental Solutions, Ceo, Albuquerque, Nm Aysha Cooper, Mckinley Alliance Group, Owner, Snellville, Ga Noreen Wise, Gallant Gold Media, "Founder, Ceo & Managing Director ", Fairfax, Virginia Isabel Orellana, Montessori Outlet, General Manager, Pomona, Ca Kimberlee Spillers, Rural Community Solutions, Co-Owner, Atlantic, LA Cyndi Jarvison, Sbdc At Unm Gallup, Director, Gallup, New Mexico Erin Clarkson, Savannah First-Timer's Guide, Owner, Savannah, Georgia Rachel Averbuck, Birkenstock Village, Owner, Santa Rosa, Ca Marsha Mclean, Grandmas2.0, Founder/Ceo, Newport News, Virginia Lori Johnson, A Caring Heart, Ceo, St. Ann, Missouri Walter Ordonez, Jw Goodson Salon, Owner, Long Beach, California Jon Henry, Jon Henry General Store Llc, Owner, New Market, Va Mary Jo Majerus, Healing Touch Spa, Owner, Rochester, Mn Tawana Drakes, Distinctive Designs, Owner, Dayton, Ohio Michelle Thibodeaux, The Connection, Co-Owner, Chicago, Il Stephanie Stephens, "Stephens Insurance Services, Llc", Owner, Walterboro, Sc Ernest Toribio, E&J Beauty Salon Nail Spa Corp, Owner, Bronx, Ny Anne Zimmerman, Zimmerman & Co Cpas Inc, President, Cincinnati, Oh Patricia Capasso, Royalfamily Eatz, Owner, Hampton, Va Nguyet Howard, Skillful Touch Massage, Licensed Massage Therapist, San Antonio, Texas Rose Augustin, "Selest Health Center, Inc", President, Nmb, Fl Dr. Deborah Sykes, Sykes Training Solutions, Director, Mcdonough, Ga Lynn Altman, Brand Now, President, New York, Ny Tawana Drakes, Distinctive Designs, Owner, Dayton, Ohio Crystal Douglas, Crystal's Senior Services Llc, Founder / Owner / Ceo, San Bernardino, Ca Tresa Chambers, "Tenth Muse Enterprises, Llc", Owner, Dallas, Tx Annie Smith, Dillon County Boys And Girls Youth Center, Program Director, "Dillon, Sc 29536", South Carolina Gabrielle Durana, Education Française Bay Area (Efba), Founder And Executive Director, San Francisco, Ca Carla Nelson Chambers, "The Nelson Ideation Group, Llc", Managing Principal, Randalstown, Maryland Tony Tovar, Sana Benefits, Head Of Community, Austin, Texas Matt Mccolm, Suzie Health Solutions, Agent, Wenatchee, Wa Carrie Davies, Geri Girl Bakery, Owner, Edinburgh, Indiana Bradley Norman, "Br2vets Design Consulting Firm, Llc", Cea, Nampa, Idaho Jonathan Cohen, Conrads College Gifts, President, Columbus, Oh Michelle Taylor Frazier, "Multicultural Educational Programs, Inc.", Executive Director, Des Moines, Iowa Melissa Graves, Funk Mechanical Llc, Managing Owner, Decatur, Ar Judith Carter, Jac@Thewomenbrand.Com, Owner, Calumet City, Il Sheila Rinehart, Larrys Appliance, Owner, Williamsburg, Va Mike Englert, Eighty2degrees Llc, President, Washington, Dc George Frost, Gw Frost & Associates, Owner & Principal Consultant, Renton, Wa Carole Mapes, Flywheel Flowers, Owner, Brooks, Maine Carmen Martinez, "The Local Development Corporation Of Crown Heights, Inc.", Outreach Coordinator, Brooklyn, New York Deborah Rettino, Psalty's Kids Co, Co-Owner, Trabuco Canyon, Ca Shimon Warden, Zebra Digital, Ceo, Albuquerque, Nm Liz Yockel, The Fuzzy Bunny, Owner, Honeoye, Ny Karen Mastroianni, Dimensions, President, Raleigh, North Carolina Marie Quast, Jamie, Admin/Owner, Hackensack, New Jersey Catherine Cudjoe, National Ghana Parade Council, President, Bronx, Ny Darla Dukes-Johnson, Heavenly Hair, Owner, Hawthorne, California Meg Donnelly, Nova Weekend Warriors, Owner | Licensed Massage Therapist, Herndon, Va Emil Ranakusuma, Arcis Group, President/Ceo, Vienna, Va Felicia Alvarez, Stat Training Solutions, Owner, Jacksonville, Fl Miranda Scott, Cuddly Bear Child Development Center Llc, Owner, New Orleans, Louisiana Patty Gentry-Young, Young Hair, Owner And Manager, Springfield, Oh Vittoria Lattanzio, Lattanzio And De Ruvo Corp, President, Brooklyn, New York Elizabeth Kimpel, Solo Caffe, Manager, Pensacola, Florida Jenay Aiksnoras, Bliss Experiences Llc, Chief Experience Curator, Zephyr Cove, Nv Kathea Edwards, Simmons Woodworks And More, Owner, Dublin, Ga Michael Jonas, Rational Unicorn Legal Services, Owner + Principle Attorney, Portland, Oregon Sonia Kery, "Safe Tech, Inc.", Ceo, Laurel, Maryland Shawn Parker, Tokyomoto, Manager, San Francisco, Ca Jacqueline Mays, Jacquie Oh’s Hair Salon, Founder, Washington, District Of Columbia Nancy Bell, Global 1 Management Medical Group, Ceo, Aliso Viejo, California Mario Burnias, Lift360, Ceo, San Jose, California Linh Ton, Ageless Skincare, Owner, San Jose, Ca Tavia Anderson, Living Hope Second Chance Llc, Ceo, Bloomington, Mn Sebrina Brown, Girlfriends Tea, Ceo, Virginia Beach, Va Daniel Turner, "Tcg, Inc.", President, Washington, Dc Tori Ponder-Brown, The Pilates Room & Antigravity Studio, Managing Partner, Ithaca, Ny Michaella Olavarri, Micas Kitchen, Owner/Cook, Vashon, Wa Dominic And Sauntasha, Austin, The Crusty Bark, Owners, Roanoke, Virginia Ken Joy, Era Queen City Realty, Manager, Scotch Plains, New Jersey Camelia Moss, Camelias Candles, Owner, Lebanon, Oregon Emily Frank, "Career Catalyst, Llc", Owner, Denver, Co Barbara Boris, Woodstock Yoga Center, Owner & Instructor, Woodstock, Ny Monica Fredrickson, Aspen Glade Yoga Therapy Llc, Owner, Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico Yolanda Milton Comford, Comford Care, Owner, Adelanto, Ca Sheila Rinehart, Larrys Appliance, Owner, Williamsburg, Va Janice Hill, 2nd Chance, Ms, Las Vegas, Nv Kim Stoot, What's Your Destination, Travel Designer, La Porte, Tx Monica Love, Community Environmental Solutions, Ceo/Founder, Brooklyn Park, Mn Katherine White, Badass Strategies, President, Annandale, Va Isaac Kremer, Metuchen Downtown Alliance, Inc., Executive Director, Metuchen, NJ Christie, Simon-Waterman, C & C Loving Heart Health Care Agency, CEO/OWNER, Perry Hall, Maryland Kristi Martin, Highway 136 Consulting, Principal, Washington, DC

No one should be surprised that America’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout system has produced sharp racial disparities in vaccination rates – the system has played upon existing inequalities from digital access, to quality of employment, to transportation access. Indeed, I would have flunked any of my graduate students had they failed to anticipate what was soon to occur. The positive news is that together with the business community, we can achieve vaccine equity in a way that gets us back on our feet for good. Consider that in nearly all states, the first group to become eligible for shots after health care workers and those in nursing homes were those above the age of 65 – a group that is generally far more white than the younger Black and Latino workers who do the essential tasks which put them at risk. There is a rationale here – older individuals may be less exposed but they do face a higher probability of death from COVID-19. But let’s be honest: this is a system that is racially disparate in its impact if not its intention. Also consider the main way you sign up for a dose of these life-saving vaccines. If you’re in the right occupational or age category, it’s equally open to all – provided you have a computer, high-speed internet, the technological sophistication to add an automatic refresher to your preferred browser, a job or a cushy retirement where it’s easy to check your display constantly, flexible employment that allows you to dash away when an appointment opens, and a car to either get to or drive through one of the mega pods. By contrast, designing with vaccine equity (and not equality) in mind would have prioritized communities ravaged by COVID where workers are low-paid , lack access to insurance and housing is overcrowded. It would have rushed resources to those communities, paying less attention to high-profile stadium mega-sites and more attention to local neighborhoods. And it would have set standards of accountability that looked not just at delivering doses but also closing pre existing racial gaps. Fortunately, a shift toward vaccine equity is beginning to emerge. In California, for example, the state has decided that it will temporarily set aside 40 percent of available vaccines for residents in areas facing the biggest economic and health challenges according to a metric called the California Healthy Places Index . The state has likewise been distributing more vaccines through community clinics and mobile pop-ups in poorer neighborhoods. Meanwhile, some employers have jumped in, particularly in agriculture , to provide shots to essential workers. This is good for the workers and communities, of course, but vaccine equity is also good for business: You can’t sustain production when your employees fall ill or shy away from work because they fear that disease will follow them home to their beloved families. Indeed, this is yet another instance in which the usual admonition of traditional economics – that equity must be bad for the economy – is, to use a particularly apt expression, dead wrong. Prioritizing those who are least advantaged and most affected by COVID will more quickly reduce the overall burden of disease. And this is not a one-off: Research has increasingly shown that both countries and metropolitan areas that are more equitable and, in the U.S. context, less racially segregated, are better able to sustain employment and business growth. So what can the business community do that reflects this lesson of vaccine equity, and that doing good and doing well can go hand-in-hand? First, become a strong advocate for vaccine equity in the U.S., pressuring state and local authorities to address disparities; if business adds its voice to the community, it will make a big difference in the politics. Second, take independent action by opening up employment sites for mobile clinics and mass vaccinations, particularly of essential workers. Third, advocate for international vaccine equity, recognizing that the global economy could lose over $9 trillion dollars -- 40 percent of it in advanced economies – unless developing countries can reboot their economies and their import demand. But most important, carry the lessons of this COVID-19 era forward. We now know that our economy is only as viable as our public health system – but we have created a health system that leaves too many with inadequate access to care. We now know that our economy and markets are only as strong as the contributions made by essential workers – but we too often offer them low pay and little respect . We now know that when a crisis hits, the spirit of mutuality will get us through – but we have organized large parts of our economy as every person for themselves. Vaccine equity is needed now but designing for racial and social equity and business-community collaboration must become part of the re-imagination and restructuring that can guide our long-term recovery. This piece originally was posted on Triple Pundit on March 12, 2021.

Every day, small businesses are rebuilding our economy. After shouldering a disproportionate economic burden during the pandemic, small businesses have emerged as engines of American innovation that are reimagining Main Street for a post COVID-19 future. But, we can’t get back to business until a large majority of Americans are vaccinated. Safe and effective vaccines offer the hope and protection we need to help our country and our economy reopen. That’s why businesses across the country are encouraging vaccination. Small businesses can take big steps to help, building on their trusted relationships with employees, workers and customers to encourage all Americans to get vaccinated as soon as they can. As a small business owner, here are 3 things you can do to strengthen the vaccine response in your community: Make a pledge to get vaccinated, and share why vaccines are important to you. Talk with your employees about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and make sure to support workers who may have unique questions or concerns. Make it easier for your workers to get vaccinated by offering paid time off, transportation credits, meal vouchers, or other support for scheduling vaccine appointments. Small businesses across America have developed creative ways to encourage vaccination. Up-Down MKE , an arcade in Milwaukee, is giving twenty free game tokens to anyone who is vaccinated. Gadget Review , a technology publication, is giving employees who receive COVID-19 vaccines an extra week of paid vacation. The coalition “Save Philly Restaurants” is working directly with their local public health officials to help get their employees vaccinated. And, Cargo Transporters in North Carolina is hosting on-site vaccination clinics twice a week for their drivers. The Health Action Alliance is proud to partner with Reimagine Main Street to help small businesses encourage vaccination and improve public health. We offer free tools and training to help small business owners support employees, communicate about vaccines, and engage communities that may need extra help accessing or scheduling vaccinate appointments. Now is the time for decisive action. Let’s work together to turn the tide against COVID-19, rebuild our economy, and create a stronger, healthier future for everyone in America. This post was written by special partner Stephen Massey , Managing Director, Health Action Alliance .

A Call To Duty: Small Business Can Lead On Covid-19 Vaccinations And Help Bring Economy Back