/ Modified may 15, 2020 2:51 p.m.

How the pandemic has morphed the Tucson Metro’s business landscape

The Tucson Metro Chamber president discusses persisting challenges owners and employees face.

Even as businesses in Pima County reopen, challenges persist for owners and their employees. From operating at a deficit during Southern Arizona’s slowest months, to a lack of childcare options for returning workers. We discussed those hurdles with Tucson Metro Chamber president Amber Smith.

“We are leading into our slow time of season. So, it really just depends on the industry. Restaurants now have the authority to be able to open but there are many strict guidelines as well that might hinder their ability to do that. Plus, there’s still concern out there as to is it really safe,” Smith said.

Smith also acknowledged the decision to reopen or remain closed has turned into a politically polarizing issue for some.

“I’m not taking a stance whether or not we should or should not reopen. But what I don’t like to see is that those businesses that made that choice that is allowed by our government representatives, they are now being judged by others which absolutely divides the community,” Smith said. She recommended that businesses choosing to reopen clearly communicate their plans to uphold public safety.

“It’s really important that consumers know that when they walk into a business, they can clearly see that every reasonable accommodation has been made to make them safe.”

Arizona 360
Arizona 360 airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on PBS 6 and Saturdays at 8 p.m. on PBS 6 PLUS. See more from Arizona 360.
By posting comments, you agree to our
AZPM encourages comments, but comments that contain profanity, unrelated information, threats, libel, defamatory statements, obscenities, pornography or that violate the law are not allowed. Comments that promote commercial products or services are not allowed. Comments in violation of this policy will be removed. Continued posting of comments that violate this policy will result in the commenter being banned from the site.

By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona