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(Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)
Humboldt Business Directory

City of Humboldt adjusting business directory to reflect changes during COVID-19

Apr 19, 2020 | 8:00 AM

The City of Humboldt has made a couple changes to its online business directory.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the provincial orders being placed on some businesses or all businesses, we have added additional categories based on how each business is doing business during this crisis,” said communications manager Penny Lee.

Two new categories have been added on top of the normal categories like Automotive or Lodging. ‘Doing Business by Other Means’ and ‘Open to the Public With Physical Distancing/Restrictions’ are the new categories for businesses.

Lee said social media groups trying to update consumers on what businesses are up to are great, but those can’t be organized and sorted. She said the updated directory on the City of Humboldt website is set to be somewhat of a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the people of Humboldt.

“Even for myself, I was wondering if I could go to a certain business if they were open or not, and I had no way of telling,” Lee said. “So, that’s where I actually got the idea of using our directory to help people find out who’s doing what, and how to do business with them.”

The directory shows business’ hours and whether they are delivering or doing pickup, among other things.

“That’s such a dynamic part, and it’s constantly changing for each business,” Lee told northeastNOW. “So, referring [the consumer] to more additional details such as that, is quick and easy for anybody looking for information on a business.

The new categories will also show whether a business is partially doing business. For example, a hair salon that also sells products can show that while they are not able to style hair, they are still open to sell products.

Lee said for those who need to add their information or update it, there is a form online for those businesses to fill out.

“It comes directly to me through email, and I log in immediately, or at least I try to,” she said. “And within the hour, at least after reviewing their information, and I update their information right then and there.”

Lee encouraged people to constantly check the directory as it is constantly changing. She said they will monitor things and make sure it is flexible as changes continue to come.

mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6

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