A Jan. 12 meeting of the Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce led to discussions on labor shortages and supply chain issues, some of the main issues entrepreneur are currently facing. (Rachel May/northeastNOW Staff)

By Rachel May

Operating during the pandemic

Businesses discuss the challenges they are facing during COVID

Jan 12, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Business owners in the northeast came together and shared their worries, experiences and hopes for the future.

Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce (MTACC) held a meeting on Jan. 12 where the business community came together to discuss the challenges and triumphs they have experienced recently.

Tyler Fahlman, owner of Fountain Tire and MTACC president, said that staffing is one of the biggest issues that local businesses are facing.

“There is a lot of businesses who can’t offer the hybrid work from home environment.”

If someone were to catch COVID-19 they would be required to isolate for a minimum of five days. This often leaves employers doing multiple jobs.

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“You work from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and go home to spend two hours with your family, then pull out the laptop and work until midnight. Then you do the same thing all over again.”

All in attendance encourage those seeking employment to reach out to the many employers who are currently facing a labour shortage.

A price increase has also affected those trying to stay afloat during the pandemic. TJ’s Pizza reported a 14 percent increase in the price of their cheese and Fountain Tire experienced increases of 20 percent on some items.

Cam Lee, the executive director of MTACC, said business owners are working to limit the effects of supply chain issues for their customers.

“They are doing everything in their power to locate a supplier that can bring them what they need that is cheaper than other suppliers while maintaining quality.”

Lee says that although there are many issues that business owners are facing, there is some positive news that came out of the pandemic.

“People are sticking close to home and they are discovering things. I think a lot of people are recognizing that there is a lot of businesses have to offer.”

The board of directors and members of the MTACC encourage everyone to shop local.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM