HUNTSVILLE, Ala — The Coronavirus has been declared a pandemic according to the World Health Organization. Now major events across the country are cancelled because of health concerns. The economic impact of the Coronavirus is being felt here in the Tennessee Valley also.
The Association of the United States (AUSA) Army 2020 Global Force Symposium and Exposition, and the National Children's Advocacy Center's (NCAC) 36th Annual International Symposium on Child Abuse are both cancelled.
"Those are two very large conferences that Huntsville hosts annually and we work with those groups very closely, so that's a tough hit to the local hospitality industry," said Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitor's Bureau Director of Marketing, Kristen Pepper.
Altogether, the two events would have brought in more than 7,000 attendees.
"With the cancellation of both of those two events, that comes in at roughly about $5 million in economic loss to Huntsville and Madison County," added Pepper.
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Members of the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce say they've been armed with hand sanitizer and taking extra precautions to ensure a safe environment.
VP of Small Business and Events Pammie Jimmar says this is an opportunity to encourage people to support small businesses.
"What a perfect time to be a tourist in your hometown...Continue to shop local, and dine local because they need you right now with the conferences being cancelled and people hiring extra help, ordered extra food," said Jimmar.
Folks at the CVB are also pushing for supporting local businesses.
"We're encouraging our residents as travel is impacted, we encourage residents to travel and go to the restaurants, maybe explore their own backyard. Maybe have a 'staycation' at one of our local hotels, visit an attraction and just really support our hospitality industry," said Pepper.
The CVB says at this time they are not aware of any other events that are cancelled in the Valley.They're handling the situation on a case by case basis.