A survey done by Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute provides concrete proof that the border closure has dramatically affected businesses in Point Roberts. A report based on the survey prepared by research analyst Erin Dahlman-Oeth was released on September 4.
The key take-aways are that local businesses are experiencing financial hardships despite there being no positive cases of Covid-19 in Point Roberts to date; the majority of businesses responded that the border was extremely important and more than 80 percent of their customers are Canadian; and that the majority of businesses indicated that they would be able to remain open or re-open later if the border is closed for the remainder of 2020.
A total of 13 businesses in selected categories responded to the survey.
Employment was hit hard: The businesses combined typically employed 122 full-time equivalent employees but now have just 34 people, a 72 percent decrease. As of August 26, 91 percent of businesses were operating on reduced hours and while one business reported sales equal to the previous year, 11 businesses reported making 0-50 percent less monthly revenue (8 percent); 50-100 percent less revenue (58 percent) and over 100 percent less business (25 percent).
The full report can be found here.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here