Maximizing Opportunity: How Businesses Can Shine During the Eclipse
Monday's are normally boring, right? Not on Monday, April 8th, 2024. Our community will be directly over the path of a total solar eclipse, potentially bringing thousands of visitors. This event might be short but it will surely live on in our memories for a long time. Being at the center of this total eclipse gives our city a unique opportunity to showcase our hospitality and all of our wonderful businesses. As such, we have designed this page with you in mind to help you prepare for what will truly be an unforgettable experience. We have included general information about the eclipse, some recommended best practices, and more.
We're excited to welcome the total solar eclipse to Bloomington and we hope you are too!
We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available. Please be sure to check back periodically.
We're excited to welcome the total solar eclipse to Bloomington and we hope you are too!
We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available. Please be sure to check back periodically.
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Resources
Text “MoCoEclipse” to 226787 for notifications on Eclipse information!
There’s No Better Place to Witness the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 Than in Bloomington, Indiana
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HERE Is the business guide sent out from the Monroe County Emergency Management agency
Suggestions to Get Your Business Ready: The American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force has created a reference sheet to help you prepare. |
Business Tips
- Create a plan and communicate it with your employees (Make sure you have plenty of food and water for them and prepare for their safety). Plans could include information such as:
- If you will be closed or open - if open, special hours
- Plan for employee's travel time to be increased - allow plenty of time to get there
- Reduced communication possibilities - the influx of people will put a strain on cell towers and internet connections
- Card readers may not work or may be slow, be sure to have cash on hand for transactions
- How you will deal with people in your parking lot and/or property, even if you are not there
- Consider using a private security company if you plan to rent out your large area for parking spaces to assist with parking issues and flow of traffic
- Also consider renting portable restrooms
- Plan for deliveries to your establishment - consider ordering for early delivery
- Do not plan to do any routine maintenance or visits that week
- If you will be closed or open - if open, special hours
- Expect delayed response times for emergency services
- Make sure to fill up fuel for any vehicles prior
- For delivery companies - delivery times will be increased and make sure your customers are aware
- Look into getting cell tower boosters or wi-fi hotspot generators
General Eclipse Information:
Indiana's Dept. of Natural Resources has set up a webpage for the eclipse and created a map of 54 DNR properties for best viewing.
The American Astronomical Society also as a webpage explaining the science of an eclipse, imaging & video resources, and grant information.
Indiana's Dept. of Natural Resources has set up a webpage for the eclipse and created a map of 54 DNR properties for best viewing.
The American Astronomical Society also as a webpage explaining the science of an eclipse, imaging & video resources, and grant information.
Solar Eclipse Safety:
As wondrous as a solar eclipse is, it is imperative that it is viewed safely to avoid eye damage. Whether viewing a partial or total eclipse, it is recommended that viewers use filters or viewers that meet requirements of the ISO 12312-2 standard. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved suppliers here. IU has also created a general webpage for eclipse viewing safety.
As wondrous as a solar eclipse is, it is imperative that it is viewed safely to avoid eye damage. Whether viewing a partial or total eclipse, it is recommended that viewers use filters or viewers that meet requirements of the ISO 12312-2 standard. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved suppliers here. IU has also created a general webpage for eclipse viewing safety.
Crowd Size, Traffic, and Parking:
Estimates from greatamericaneclipse.com suggest that Indiana could have anywhere from 145,000 to 581,000 visitors for the eclipse, not to mention the close to 4 million people living in Indiana who will be in the path of totality. While such large numbers of people can be a boom for business, it can also mean traffic congestion and headaches. Indiana's DHS is coordinating with state agencies to prepare for the expected crowd sizes. To see more about their plans, visit this site. As more information becomes available, we will share specific plans from the city and county in regards to traffic patterns and parking regulations. As suggested in the one-pager, if you plan to open your business on Monday, be sure to have parking or transportation arrangements for employees.
Estimates from greatamericaneclipse.com suggest that Indiana could have anywhere from 145,000 to 581,000 visitors for the eclipse, not to mention the close to 4 million people living in Indiana who will be in the path of totality. While such large numbers of people can be a boom for business, it can also mean traffic congestion and headaches. Indiana's DHS is coordinating with state agencies to prepare for the expected crowd sizes. To see more about their plans, visit this site. As more information becomes available, we will share specific plans from the city and county in regards to traffic patterns and parking regulations. As suggested in the one-pager, if you plan to open your business on Monday, be sure to have parking or transportation arrangements for employees.
Permits and Licensing:
Such an event is a great time for businesses to interact with new customers. If you're planning to operate a temporary food vending business during the event, be sure to complete the appropriate documentation with the county here. The City of Bloomington also requires licenses for mobile vendors and pushcarts. Those applications can be found here. Given the potential for a high volume of vendors, it is recommended you apply early to allow time for documentation to be processed.
Such an event is a great time for businesses to interact with new customers. If you're planning to operate a temporary food vending business during the event, be sure to complete the appropriate documentation with the county here. The City of Bloomington also requires licenses for mobile vendors and pushcarts. Those applications can be found here. Given the potential for a high volume of vendors, it is recommended you apply early to allow time for documentation to be processed.
Scheduling:
Many businesses close on Monday. Given the high volume of potential customers, some businesses may decide to shift their schedules to accommodate the influx of visitors. Businesses staying open may want to consider bringing in extra help to account for increased demand. Additionally, businesses should communicate ahead of time on websites and social media their plans to open or close.
Many businesses close on Monday. Given the high volume of potential customers, some businesses may decide to shift their schedules to accommodate the influx of visitors. Businesses staying open may want to consider bringing in extra help to account for increased demand. Additionally, businesses should communicate ahead of time on websites and social media their plans to open or close.