Friends of the AWHM,
I hope my note finds you all well in this difficult and crazy time. We are experiencing an unprecedented time in our world’s history. COVID-19 has impacted and disrupted almost every function of our daily lives. The same is to be said for the museum. Since the national emergency was declared on March 13th, we estimate a revenue loss of approximately $18,000. Should the stay at home order remain past the June 10th deadline that number will grow.
I wanted to share what steps are being taken to weather this storm.
- The museum is closed and will remain closed until we are able to re-open safely. We continue to monitor and follow guidelines and recommendations from the City of Virginia Beach, Governor’s Office, the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization.
- We have frozen all spending outside of necessary monthly costs like insurance and phone service. For example, this will be the last issue of our newsletter you will receive in print form. Until further notice, the newsletter will be sent in electronic format only.
- We have applied for both the Payroll Protection Plan and the Economic Industry Disaster Loan available through the CARES Act. These applications were submitted, received, and we are awaiting follow-up.
- We anticipate continued funding from the City of Virginia Beach through the annual grant but in this time of international emergency, understand that nothing is guaranteed. Communications stressing the importance of this funding to our operations have been sent to Mayor Dyer and members of City Council. We have heard from several city officials.
What I have shared with you above are necessary actions. We are confident with where we sit currently and remain cautiously optimistic about the summer ahead… our “Prime Time”. After poor tourist numbers last summer, another lack luster season is not what the Virginia Beach oceanfront had hoped for. The landscape along Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, and Baltic will look much different once life returns to semi-normal.
These are the facts that I have to date and are able to share. Should you have questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to Lynn or myself. Again, we are monitoring the situation closely and guiding the AWHM to smoother waters. Stay safe and well. To all the MOMs, Have A Great Day!
Cheers.
Jason Seward
hudsonoutdoors@gmail.com