When the COVID-19 crisis caused California to issue a Shelter in Place Order, some Nevada County residents quickly saw a need for information on local food pickup and delivery options. As businesses changed their service models, these folks took to the web to document the changes and spread the word. A month into the crisis, a group of these innovators have come together to pool resources and create a one-stop shop for COVID-19 business information.
The new website, NevadaCounty.Community-Need.com is your central online resource to find Western Nevada County businesses offering products and services during California’s Shelter in Place order.
The website has detailed information on essential businesses that are offering in-store shopping, in-store pick-up, curbside pick-up, and delivery. In addition, local businesses offering services and products online can create listings on how to book and buy from them directly.
“As folks are receiving their stimulus checks, it’s a great time to make those essential purchases from our local businesses,” says Meri Mohr, Alta Sierra resident, and contributor. Robin Galvan-Davies, CEO of the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce notes, “As, during the PSPS events last fall, we are collaborating to support our small business owners and entrepreneurs during this difficult time.”
“We are focused on getting this information out to people fast,” says Marni Marshall, Director of the Grass Valley Downtown Association, “so we are tracking feedback and will continue to develop the interface and the content.” The new site fills an important gap in information during the COVID-19 crisis. “Our 211 program connects community members to a wide array of low or no-cost services provided by local nonprofits and government agencies. This list gives us an additional tool in our toolkit to help people connect to local businesses that are providing essential services,” says Connecting Point communications manager Heather Heckler. “We appreciate the collaborative effort.”
This web directory is the result of a collaboration between the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Grass Valley Downtown Association, 211 Connecting Point, and the purveyors and patrons who contributed to Nevada County’s Curbside for Covid list, born from the Virtual Shop & Support Local Facebook Group. These organizations were receiving numerous requests for information, and many community members contributed to early development efforts, including Meri Mohr, Andreas Groos, Gary & Lisa Frankel, and Todd Wahoske and Jesse Locks of NC GV FOOD.
Local IT Services firm R&B Communications continues to develop the site pro-bono as a gift to the community. “We’ve been helping many businesses make changes to their websites and service strategies through shelter-at-home, and we’re honored to be able to use our team’s skills to support our community,” said R&B’s Chief Business Development Officer, Jacob Griscom. Volunteers administer the site, approving & validating submissions, and providing user support. Email info.nevadacounty@community-needs.com for more information.