10.01C COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Considerations - Request to Defer Rent for Pequot Lakes Chamber

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� � � BRAINERD LAKES �� April 18,2020 City of Pequot Lakes 4633 Main Street Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 Dear Members of the Pequot Lakes City Council, Thank you for your commitment to help our business community weather the COVID crisis. In the spirit of partnership and humility,we send this letter to request forgiveness of lease payments for the Pequot Lakes Welcome Center, located at 30951 Government Drive.As you may know,the Pequot Lakes Chamber has an ongoing lease agreement with the City in the amount of$775 per month. Because chambers of commerce are not considered essential organizations as defined by the state,we don't expect to reoccupy the building until after Memorial Day. The Brainerd Lakes Chamber,of which the Pequot Lakes Chamber is part, has been working diligently to assist its 1,000+members while trying to maintain financial security. Like most businesses,we have lost about 65%of our revenue,which is largely dependent on our ability to convene people.This reflects the indefinite postponement of a variety of programs and events as well as significant losses in advertising and sponsorship revenue.We are depending on membership dues as our primary source of income, which are in jeopardy due to the hardships our businesses are currently experiencing.We have also laid off three part-fime staff members and started the application process for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. In light of our current situation,we respectFully request a five-month forgiveness on our lease payments in the amount of$3,875.This would extend to the end of our fiscal year,which concludes on August 31,2020,and allow us an opportunity to regain our financial security. Meanwhile,we will continue our efforts to advocate for businesses, provide assistance on government relief programs,connect people virtually,and promote the Lakes Proud"buy local" campaign.We remain optimisfic about economic recovery. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, � � Matt Kilian, President Katie Wassermann, Director Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce � � �1 Brainerd Lakes &ainerd Lakes � ` ' Crosslake Office � Peq�wt Lakes Offtae AdminlstrativQ Olfiee Watcome CQMa► i �� County Road 3 and Route 66 Along ihe Poul Bunyan Trutl 224 West Warhington SVeet 7393 State Wghwoy 371 � ` P.O.Box 315 P.O.Box 208 &ainerd,MN 56401 Broinerd.MN 56401 Crosslake,MN 5b442 Pequot lakes,MN 56472 (218)829-2836 (800�450-2838 � (218)692-4027 (2t8)568-89tt a(800j 950-d291 �