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Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce officials announced today the cancelation of all events planned through the end of September.

According to a release, after consulting with its members, trustees, community leaders and healthcare professionals regarding the health and safety of everyone, the chamber’s board of directors made the decision to cancel all of the events, including Business After Hours on July 9 and Aug. 13, Mayfest on Aug. 1, Questions of the Candidate on Aug. 7, Evening in White on Aug. 22, the Atmore Job Fair on Sept. 3 and Taste of the South on Sept. 17.

“The decision comes in response to increased cases in our area and the guidance by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), World Health Organization and the Alabama Public Health Department, all of which encourage large gatherings to be postponed to minimize transmission of the virus,” the chamber said in a release. “We are a community first, and second a group dedicated to promoting the Atmore Area’s business, economic, and cultural environment. Our top priority is the health and safety of our community and their loved ones, therefore the Board of Directors felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. It is our belief that this decision, and similar decisions being made by other organizations and governments throughout the country help ‘flatten the curve’ of new infections – and is the best way to ensure the Atmore Area can continue to recover.”

Chamber officials said they’re disappointed that they aren’t able to hold the events for the community.

“However, we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today,” officials said. “We are a business community and know the past few months have had serious financial impacts on countless individuals and businesses in the Atmore Area.”

According to a release, the chamber will reach out to all stakeholders and exhibitors with information on providing full refunds, and it is exploring options to grow members’ online access to business education opportunities and other initiatives.