And it’s understandable that when people are focused on staying healthy and employed, it’s even harder for brands to connect with people and keep them engaged. Getting in front of people who are willing to buy from you takes an over-the-top effort in times like these – but the effort must resonate with consumers, or the brand could come across as tone deaf. That can be a fine line to walk.

Here are 3 key takeaways from Endeavor member Hughes Agency that any business can apply during this time of crisis management.

Endeavor, downtown Greenville’s coworking community, is known for bringing creative professionals together to help inspire their work with its popular Collaborators & Cocktails professional development and networking event series. When in-person events were no longer possible, Endeavor held its first ever virtual version of the event with two top tier marketers as speakers. This was their highest-attended event in the series’ four-year history.

Click below for 2 more lessons learned and examples to inspire your own organization. Ⓟ

Are you part of a local business that’s been affected during COVID-19?

Let us know what you’ve learned, how you’ve pivoted, or what tips you want to share with other businesses during this time of uncertainty.

○ Greenville County Schools has announced that to start off the school year, students will attend school one day a week, with the other four days being eLearning. This will continue to be the schedule until DHEC reports a change in the county-wide spread of COVID-19. (Greenville News)

○ SCDHEC is encouraging all SC residents to respond to legitimate contact tracing calls + emails from public health officials, while remaining vigilant against scams. Legitimate contact tracing includes two components: case investigations and contact monitoring. If you test positive for COVID-19, a contact tracer from DHEC will call you – and only ask you these questions.

○ Additionally, remaining aware of potential scam attempts is important. A contact tracer will never ask for your social security number, money, bank account or credit card number, or immigrant status. If you are concerned about whether a caller is a real DHEC official, verify their identity by asking them to send you an email (the address should end with @dhec.sc.gov) or calling the DHEC regional epidemiology office to confirm the caller’s name and credentials. Learn about reporting potential scams here.

○ South Carolina ranks #8 of states whose COVID-19-related unemployment claims are recovering the quickest. According to a recent report, There are currently 17.8 million Americans unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in total. (WalletHub)

Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.

Closing
○ The Chocolate Moose Bakery & Cafe has announced that Aug. 29 will be their last day of operation. You can read more from their Instagram caption here.

WaterCooler
○ The Greenville Triumph will be welcoming fans back in a limited capacity for the remainder of the season’s home matches, starting with this Saturday’s match against Chattanooga. You can read more here. ⚽ (FOX Carolina)
○ There has been lots of talk about whether or not college football season will be postponed because of the coronavirus. Trevor Lawrence took to Twitter to say “#WeWantToPlay,” and he was even retweeted by the President. (WYFF 4)

Apply
○ Upstate Forever’s Land Planning & Policy team is hosting a virtual Citizens Planning Academy this fall – and applications are now open. To read more + apply, click the link here.

Number
○ $500,000. The amount granted to South Carolina from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs + the Office for Victims of Crimes to provide services for human trafficking victims. The grant will fund support programs to help victims find housing + employment. (Metro Columbia CEO)

PlanAhead
○ Like many events, the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k Walk is going virtual. The national kickoff is today at noon, while the local kickoff is happening Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. on the Making Strides against Breast Cancer Greenville Facebook page.🚶

Arts
○ In conjunction with the Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC) of Greenville, Hollingsworth Funds, Inc. is distributing $100,000 in COVID-19 relief grants to 10 local arts organizations: Artisphere, Centre Stage, Greenville Chorale, Greenville Concert Band, Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, Greenville Theatre, Metropolitan Arts Council, Peace Center, South Carolina Children’s Theatre and The Warehouse Theatre. Since May, MAC has coordinated the distribution of $375,500 in relief funds to 28 arts organizations throughout Greenville County. 💸 Ⓟ

DYK
○ Did you know The Carolina Mantid (Mantis) is the official insect of the Palmetto State? In some cultures, seeing one is good luck. Learn more about the insect here.

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